Assafir newspaper published an investigation about the current kidnapping cases in Lebanon lately which reflect an ugly reality and expose a deeper social conflict in Lebanon within the absence of official associations dedicated to manage citizens’ affairs. It also divulges a social and psychological dissociation and a misunderstanding for the concept of citizenship.
Most of the recently kidnapped are men and that is due to many factors. As an Arab, patriarchal society the men symbolize power while the absence of women value insinuates women’s lack of political, economical value. Further, the gender relations diminish women’s role in the Arab world which means it is dishonorable to kidnap women.
In addition to the sensitivity of women’s honor issue in the Arab societies, kidnapping a woman may lead to violent and dangerous reactions.
Original text in Arabic: Assafir