Barbie Crackdown in Tunis

Now this is a change from your typical Islamic story. Taken from IslamOnline:

TUNIS — No sooner had as the new academic year begun in Tunisia than security forces raided soft-toy shops across the country to withdraw Fulla, the doll, which inspired millions of Muslim girls worldwide, eclipsing the American and world's best-selling Barbie.

"Security forces have cracked down on shops and confiscated all goods bearing Fulla's photo," Tunisian shoppers and merchants told IslamOnline.net Friday, September 22, on condition of anonymity. "Authorities claim that the hijab-clad doll invokes sectarian feud," they added. "In addition to being quizzed, we have sustained heavy losses."

Fulla has become a household name basically in the Muslim world since it was first introduced in 2003 as an alternative to the curvaceous flashy Barbie. With long-sleeved dresses, hijab and a prayer mate, the dark-eyed doll provides an ideal role model for little Muslim girls and reflects the flourishing of Islamic values.

"I fear that female students would be questioned by police for having schoolbags bearing the photo of Fulla," said Abdullah al-Zawari, a journalist. He said authorities could "stretch" law no. 108, which bans Tunisian women from donning the hijab, and accuse those students of violating the law. The law was ratified in 1981 by late Tunisian president Habib Bourguiba (1956-1987). Samira, a teacher, also lashed out at the security oppressive policy."It is tarnishing the image of Tunisia and a blatant violation of civil liberties," she fumed.

I am really conflicted on this. On the one hand, I applaud Tunis for attempting to enter into the 21st century and join the rest of us, but my inner civil libertarian is squirming big time on this crackdown.

h/t Sandmonkey