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New Frontiers in Islamism

by Daniel Pipes
August 10, 2009
updated Nov 22, 2009

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Translations of this item:

I've studied Islam for a long time (forty years next month) but Islamists are constantly surprising me with their practices. In reverse chronological order, this blog occasionally chronicles some of the more colorful examples.

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Ban women from the backs of motorcycles: Hamas has banned women from riding motorcycles in the Gaza Strip to "safeguard the safety of residents and to maintain the stability of traditions and customs in Palestinian society." Men would no longer be allowed to carry women behind them as they drive their motorcycles. (October 7, 2009)

Forcibly remove gold and silver teeth: The Somali Islamist group al Shabaab has begun to pull gold and silver teeth from residents in southern Somalia on the grounds that they contravene the Shari'a. Abdi Sheikh reports for Reuters:

Al Shabaab in action, when not pulling teeth.

Residents in Marka say al Shabaab has been rounding up anyone seen with a silver or gold tooth and taking them to a masked man who then rips them out using basic tools. "I never thought al Shabaab would see my denture as a sin. They took me to their station and removed my silver tooth," resident Bashir told Reuters. "I met several men and women whose dentures were being pulled out by a masked man they called a doctor. The doctor used a pincer or his gloved hand depending on the strength of the tooth," Bashir said. "As you smile your silver tooth accuses you. I was at a counter with my friend when three armed al Shabaab ordered me to follow them," he added. "I am afraid they want to make money from taking all this precious metal."

(August 10, 2009)

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