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Following are excerpts from a TV program on female circumcision in Iraq, which aired on Al-Baghdadiya Tv on March 26, 2009.
TV host: There are many issues of which we were ignorant before satellite technology reached us. Today, there are no issues of which we are not aware. Nevertheless, we never heard in the past about the cruel and violent circumcision of girls being practiced in northern Iraq. Is this an age-old phenomenon, like in Egypt, Sudan, and Somalia, or is it a foreign practice introduced into Kurdish society?
[…]
Kurdish woman: Female circumcision is a bad phenomenon, which exists in Kurdish society, I’m sad to say. It has social and historical dimensions, and is an old phenomenon, not a new one. The extent of this phenomenon has diminished by now, but in the past, there was a high rate of female circumcision. People mention social and religious reasons. They do not consider this phenomenon to be bad, and they believe it to be beneficial to the girls. It alleviates people’s fear for their honor and for the honor of their girls.
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Unidentified cleric: The Prophet Muhammad said to a woman who performed female circumcision in Al-Madina: “Don’t cut it off.” In other words, when circumcising a woman, take off only part of her clitoris.
[…]
He said to her: “Don’t cut it off.” Take off only what is necessary. It is well known that in warm countries, the woman’s physiology differs from that of women in cold and temperate climates. In warm regions, the clitoris is larger than in cold or temperate regions. Therefore, a woman is liable to be stimulated by any movement, or by any random contact, resulting from riding animals, or by performing hard work. So they cut off a little piece. But this should be performed by a doctor or by a woman experienced in this.
[…]
Egyptian expert: This phenomenon is not as widespread as all that. We checked in schools in some regions, and we couldn’t find a single girl who had undergone circumcision. I believe the phenomenon still exists in remote areas, but it has declined. I believe that this phenomenon is not that widespread, and society rejects it, and does not view it in a favorable light. This is viewed as something disgraceful.
[…]
TV host: As you know, female circumcision – or amputation, as you called it – does not exist in Iraq. But according to the report that we have just seen, it has been practiced since ancient times. Nevertheless, we did not know such a thing was going on.
[…]
You are saying that even doctors are not deterred by the law.
Expert: Unfortunately, they are not. The pressure by the families in some regions is unimaginable.
TV host: Is it deeply rooted to that extent?
Expert: Yes, it is completely rooted in their traditions, customs, and mentality. They believe a girl is bound to commit depraved acts unless she is circumcised.
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