Would it help if Iran had a female foreign minister?

Posted By P.J. Aroon Friday, June 12, 2009 - 8:03 PM Share

Iranians flocked to the polls today to elect one of four men as their next president. Top advisors to one of the candidates, Mehdi Karroubi, a moderate, recently suggested that if he wins (which he likely won't), he should appoint a female foreign minister. Why? So she would be able to shake hands with Secretary Clinton, something that would be taboo for a man to do.

[Mehdi Karroubi] recently debated with his team the number of cabinet posts women should fill. Mr Karroubi's top advisers lobbied for the Foreign Ministry, speculating that when relations with the US normalise, the new foreign minister could shake hands with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Not all Muslims, though, think it's improper for people of the opposite sex to shake hands. Below, Secretary Clinton shakes hands with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, a Muslim, on Feb. 18.

Hillary Clinton, Hassan Wirayuda, Feb. 18, 2009

Photo: ADEK BERRY/AFP/Getty Images

EXPLORE:CULTURE, DIPLOMACY, IRAN, WOMEN
 
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June 14, 2009

I think if more women were in

I think if more women were in positions of power we would have less war and better access to health care and education.

 

Madam Secretary is an obsessive blog about all things Hillary Clinton. From her policies to her pantsuits, Madam Secretary delivers up-to-the-minute news, analysis, and gossip about America's top diplomat.