What are the contemporary political and social dynamics pertaining to sexuality in the Middle East? Pinar Iikkaracan (Women for Women’s human Rights) edits the book ‘Deconstructing Sexuality in the Middle East’ and writes the introduction essay in which she argues that sexuality and gender equality are inextricably linked. They have been highly politicised issues in almost all Middle Eastern nations ever since reforms towards modernisation and/or Westernisation were initiated in the nineteenth century. This introduction essay begins with an overview of Middle Eastern governments' position on sexual freedom and rights. While globalisation has created an environment where international networking for human rights has gained importance, international engagement sometimes exacerbates existing stereotypes about the region. The author is careful to note the diversity of the region.
Challenges and discourses around sexuality in the Middle East are explored, which frame the topic of sexuality as a contested political domain in the global arena. After giving an overview and background, the following chapters are summarised. They include: a comparative study of penal/criminal codes that relate to constructions of gender and sexuality, two nationwide campaigns on issues related to sexuality and penal codes initiated by women's groups in Turkey and in Jordan at the turn of the twenty-first century, sex education in Lebanon, the impact of the Islamic revolution on discourses of sexuality in Iran, and the impact of militarization, war and nationalist ideologies on the construction of sexuality and gender relations.
Although Middle Eastern and North African regions are diverse, the author does note some common themes. Sexuality remains central to political and social struggles. Recent factors such as increased militarisation in the region, increasing autocratic regimes and globalisation are some factors that have intensified the complexity of these struggles. The religious right and the ideologies of political Islam have placed the construction of an 'Islamic' sexual identity at the top of their agendas.