[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 98 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING AND SUPPORTING RADIO AL MAHABA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2006

  Ms. GRANGER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 784 commending Radio Station Al-Mahaba in Iraq.
  Radio Al-Mahaba, which means ``love'' in Arabic, is the only radio 
station in Iraq or the Greater Middle East whose programming is geared 
toward the issues important to women.
  The station's programming is meant to be an educational tool for 
women, focusing on subjects such as parenting, healthcare, 
relationships and other social topics.
  The station broadcasts in three different languages, giving women 
freedom to voice their opinions and hear other opinions.
  Articles about Radio Al-Mahaba have appeared in the New York Times, 
Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune and USA Today.
  I recently had the honor of meeting with employees of Radio Al-Mahaba 
on a delegation I led to Iraq to work with Iraqi women leaders and 
Parliamentarians.
  Right now, they are on the verge of having to shut their doors 
because of terrorist threats against the group and a lack of funding.
  Many insurgents do not want to see women have a voice or play a 
significant role in Iraq. Despite these threats, the employees remain 
determined to stay on the air.
  To do this, they are working for free to keep the station running. If 
this is not a clear expression of a desire for a free and open society, 
I don't know what is.
  The station eventually hopes to broadcast into Iran in order to let 
Iranian women know that freedom can be achieved but only if they stand 
up for their rights.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a non-partisan issue. Radio Al-Mahaba deserves 
our support.
  It's crucial that women have a strong voice in Iraqi society, 
especially as Iraqis work to form a democracy.
  Radio Al-Mahaba provides women with a vehicle to have that voice.

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