"flirtatiousness" is unfortunately in the eye of the beholder - the rapist. He has only to say he thought the woman was flirtatious to increase his chances (already very high) of escaping justice and attracting public sympathy.
Attitudes in both countries reflect the power of men to define women's autonomy according to their own wishes.
I am inclined to agree jno. Testosterone fuelled young men and their crude and uncaring attitudes to the opposite sex are often excused in both East and West alike. Young women, on the other hand, have often been castigated by many societies for perceived moral lapses.
True - although the difference being that in the west rape victims are not charged with bringing disgrace upon their families – and neither do western courts advise marriage to the perpetrator in order to mitigate that disgrace.
Do you think your last statement may be seen as tarring all Islamic states with the same brush?
I have a very limited knowledge of Islam, but surely laws that apply in say, Pakistan are not exactly the same as those that are on the statute books in Turkey?
"Anyone that finds an excuse that somehow attempts to justify the behavior and ignores the abhorrent reasons why this situation occurred regardless of where it happened is an apologist and should be ignored.
There, I've been diplomatic, polite and tactful."
You pobably have, but unless the 'apologist' knows whom he or she is, how can they debate their point?
Pixi, It gives ONE explanation of what was being discussed - but you have to ask yourself whose explanation that was. Still, the thought that it might not be exactly 'kosher' (sorry 'bout that) amused you, so no problem.