Palin and the new Fatwa

The Christian Science Monitor reports of some unintended consequences of Gov. Sarah Palin's introduction to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari at the United Nations in September.

A radical Muslim prayer leader said the president shamed the nation for "indecent gestures, filthy remarks, and repeated praise of a non-Muslim lady wearing a short skirt." Feminists charged that once again a male Pakistani leader has embarrassed the country with sexist remarks. And across the board, the Pakistani press has shown disapproval.

Clerics of the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) proceeded in issuing a fatwa that does not call for any action or violence but rather calls the act a "great sin." On the other hand, feminists were appalled with the sexist nature of the exchange.

"As a Pakistani and as a woman, it was shameful and unacceptable. He was looking upon her merely as a woman and not as a politician in her own right," says Tahira Abdullah, a member of the Women's Action Forum.

While the report focuses on the Pakistani President's remarks and actions, we are left wondering if Palin induced the flirting or reciprocated in any way. Could he possibly have misinterpreted a "wink?"