Gaza: Hamas tightens, then backs off, Islamic social strictures

Hamas appears to be trying to boost its Islamic credentials at home through restrictions on women's dress and men walking with women who are not family. By Erin Cunningham | Correspondent from the October 25, 2009 edition Gaza City, Gaza - Like many high-schoolers in Gaza City, Diana Hawajiri often favors trendy jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and a head scarf. But when she showed up after the summer break, signs posted at her government-run school announced that it was mandatory for all female students to wear the jalibab – a loose dress designed to shroud the female figure. Diana complied. And though the decision was later rescinded, she still wears the garment to avoid criticism both at school and in public, she says. The warnings appeared at the same time a similar Hamas government-sponsored campaign condemned Western-style... [read full story]                    

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