Women face new scrutiny on way to mosque

BAGHDAD -- The men in dishdash tunics in front of the Holy Shrine of Imam Khadum have a new mission: to turn away the women who, for decades, have come to this Shi'ite holy site to pray, wearing makeup and open headscarves that reveal wisps of hair and glimpses of neck.

"Women got used to coming here in improper, devilish garb," said Mahmoud Yousef, head of security at the shrine. "Finally we can put a stop to it."

Self-appointed morality squads have sprung up in Baghdad neighborhoods, ordering women to dress in the traditional abaya, the garment of choice in rural Shi'ite areas.

Some squad members have plastered banners at Baghdad University instructing female students to veil themselves.

more...
http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2003/10/05/women_face_new_scrutiny_on_way_to_mosque/

Didn't Bush say he DIDN'T want Iraq to become another Islamic theocracy? Oops.