Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women

Anfal, literally “the spoils of war,” refers to a chapter of the Quran and was also the code name given by Saddam Hussein to his terror campaign against the Kurds. Throughout the book, this term exemplifies the intersection of religious texts and contemporary political conflicts, shedding light on how religious language can be co-opted for political purposes, especially in the context of Islamic societies. The usage of a religious term like Anfal in a political and military context imbues the political action with a sense of religious legitimacy or divine mandate, potentially altering public perception and justifying the actions to followers. This can be particularly impactful in societies where religion plays a central role in the cultural and social fabric. It also reflects the power dynamics at play, where religious language and texts become tools in the hands of political leaders, used to further their agendas and consolidate their power.

Ayatollah, meaning “reflection of God,” is a title conferred upon the most learned of religious teachers and law interpreters in Shiite Islam. The term is integral to discussions around religious authority and its influence on cultural and societal norms within the book. The presence of ayatollahs in the