InfoAnda - Islamic Iran offers 'courting' diplomas to cut divorce

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Priest, wife hacked to death in Indonesia: police | 27 April 2009
Jessica Simpson returns to reality TV | Entertainment | | 23 June 2009

Trial delayed for former nurse charged in killings | 17 November 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Islamic Iran offers 'courting' diplomas to cut divorce

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Islamic Iran offers 'courting' diplomas to cut divorce AFP - Tuesday, March 16 Send IM Story Print An Iranian man looks at a government-issues pamphlet on marriage and match-making in Tehran on March 14. The National Youth Organisation in Iran has unveiled an online course to educate the Islamic republic's overwhelmingly young population on how to find Mr or Mrs Right, pop the question, and live happily ever after. TEHRAN (AFP) - – Iranian youths can attend courtship classes and earn a diploma before tying the knot as part of a newly launched government scheme to cut the divorce rate. The National Youth Organisation has unveiled an online course to educate the Islamic republic's overwhelmingly young population on how to find Mr or Mrs Right, pop the question, and live happily ever after. Interactive and lasting three months, the course designed by academics and clerics requires pupils seeking the diploma to sit for weekly tests. Iran's hardline leaders condemn dating and relationships out of wedlock and like to see men and women married off ideally in their early 20s in a country where traditionalists frown upon singles in their 30s. But according to official estimates, the average age of marriage has risen to 29, mainly due to economic hardship and a change in priorities and values, especially for women who outnumber men at college. Since rising to power five years ago, conservatives in the parliament and government have made a mantra of "facilitating marriage for young people" in Iran, where about 60 percent of the 70-million population is under 30. The concept of a "marriage diploma" has already unleashed a torrent of jokes on the Internet, but officials insist Iranians need awareness without revealing much about the content of the course. "Marriage needs hundreds of hours of education," Mehrdad Bazrpash, a deputy to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and head of the National Youth Organisation, said on Saturday as he inaugurated the programme in Tehran. Ahmad Borjali, a psychologist and adviser to the initiative, said the divorce rate has gone up steadily since 2006, rising by 15.7 percent in 2009 compared with the previous year, against a 2.1-percent increase in marriages. One in every four marriages ends in divorce in Tehran alone, he said, citing research by social workers as blaming "sexual" and "communication troubles" among main reasons for the problem nationwide. "Divorce is taboo and against values, but educational work does not cost much," he said in a speech. "Face-to-face education is much more important and this can be a start given the size of the country." Despite its lofty goals the new initiative has been met with scepticism among government critics and academics. "Awareness is fine but the question is what kind of a family they are seeking to promote," prominent sociologist Shahla Ezazi told AFP. "Our society is confused between tradition and modernity, there are both traditional arranged marriages and modern love marriages. But most propaganda is focused on reinforcing men's leadership and women's obedience," she said. Publicity material for the course distributed at the launch showed a very conservative approach by authorities, shunning unmarried romantic relationships and encouraging traditional match-making. "It is wiser to have different relationships ... I will hang out with a few and then choose one," a boy with a Westernised appearance is depicted as saying in a booklet mocking such lifestyles. It was contrasted by a bearded, pious-looking young man who says "short-term illegitimate relationships harm dignity, but God has left the halal (religiously correct) path open." Ezazi said the current authorities only favour traditional, arranged marriages and "consider giving men and women equal rights a terrible feminist thing." "But people do not live as advised by the government and changes do not happen based on its orders," she said. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran has been under conservative clerical rule which favours segregation of the sexes and penalises "illegitimate relationships" such as adultery punished by death. But this has not prevented mainly urban youths from dating and mingling under the regime's beady eyes, although moving in and living with a partner out of marriage is almost unheard of. Some among the authorities have for years sought to promote an Islamic substitute for dating in the form of "Sigheh", or temporary marriage, a Shiite practice which allows a man and a woman to be married for even an hour. But it is generally frowned upon by Iranians. The authorities have also urged young people and their families to rein in their ambitions, avoid lavish weddings and drop materialistic goals in a bid to boost marriage. Ahmadinejad has also vowed to create jobs and provide cheap housing to young couples but it is unclear how well he has delivered on his promises as critics accuse his government of fiddling with statistics. But all that 27-year-old Mina, a dentist's assistant, wants is to live under the same roof with her fiance of two years. Her fiance, a civil engineer of the same age, has just been laid off. "We know everything that there is to know about each other and we get along great," she said. "But we have to postpone the wedding yet again." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles OUCH! Oscar-winner Cotillard stuck with award pin Reuters - 2 hours 11 minutes ago Kate Winslet splits from husband Sam Mendes Reuters - 2 hours 11 minutes ago Fans go Gaga for video as Lady unveils new shows Reuters - 2 hours 12 minutes ago Zidane launches reality TV search for new talent AFP - 2 hours 36 minutes ago Taiwan says it won't loan half of famous painting to China AFP - Tuesday, March 16 News Search Top Stories Eurozone employment in record drop: official data Efforts to save tiger have 'failed miserably': CITES Calvin Klein owner buys Tommy Hilfiger brand Germany takes aim at EU fiscal laggards 'Mission: Impossible' star Peter Graves dead at 83 More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Luxurious black granite draws envy of poor Zimbabweans Scientists crack opium poppy's genetic code Stock market dips 'linked to heart attack surge' British fertility clinic raffling human egg 'Mission: Impossible' star Peter Graves dead at 83 More Most Viewed » Chile quake moved Earth's axis, shortened days: scientist Experts confirm asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs Florida killer whale to stay in park after deadly attack 'Britain's Fritzl' raped daughters for over 25yrs Researchers back cancer-fighting properties of papaya More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Afghan president orders forces to Kandahar
Europe police smash 'perfectly structured' Georgian crime ring
Netanyahu defies U.S. over Jerusalem settlement |
State Department launches 'Opinion Space' website
Eurozone employment in record drop: official data
HP extends laptop warranty after China starts probe
Iraq PM tightens grip on Baghdad: updated results
Uribe coalition pressured after Colombia vote |
Wolfram Alpha answer engine best of show at SXSW
German Catholics urge pope to speak on sex scandals |
French woman on trial for six baby murders
Intermap's demand could rise after Garmin deal
Germany takes aim at EU fiscal laggards
Brown to keep going even if party loses poll |
Japan targets global electric car standard
Efforts to save tiger have 'failed miserably': CITES
Calvin Klein owner buys Tommy Hilfiger brand
Yemen says launches more air strikes on al Qaeda |
Israeli troops wound 7 Palestinians: medics |
HP extends laptop warranty after China starts probe
Syria agrees to receive Druze leader: Hezbollah |
Militant and hate group Internet use grows: report |
Internet Among Nominees For 2010 Nobel Peace Prize
Israel vows more settlement building despite crisis with US
Thai protesters vow to spill their own blood
Pentagon reviewing report of private spy network
Phillips-Van Heusen To Acquire Tommy Hilfiger
Chinese kidnapped in Cameroon 'in good health': diplomat
Myanmar slams call for 'crimes against humanity' probe
MTV Denies Reports That It Banned Lady Gaga's Latest Music Video
Lady Gaga Announces New North American Tour Dates For Monster Ball Tour
"Glee" Could Get "Bigger" Second Season
Vietnam releases leading dissident from prison
Data Shows U.S. Manufacturing Continues To Strengthen
Thai PM rejects protesters' call for new elections
Section Of Ohio River Closed; Rescuers Searching For Missing Man
Rocket attack kills 1 at NATO base in Afghanistan
Suicide Rates At Cornell Prompt Officials To Place Guards On Area Bridges
Myanmar opposition ponders initial steps on polls
Horatio Sanz, Chris Parnell Join Jon Heder In New Comedy Central Sitcom
Pakistani police find cache of explosives
Dog Bone Treat Under Investigation For Deaths, Injuries
Militant and hate group Internet use grows: report |
Taiwan's AU Optronics to build three bln dlr China plant
China cuts back Treasury bond holdings amid tensions
China's foreign direct investment up 4.86 percent in Jan-Feb
China takes over from West as Iran's main economic partner
Pakistani foreign investment falls 45.9 pct
French chefs to the rescue of Polish cuisine
Islamic Iran offers 'courting' diplomas to cut divorce
Taiwan says it won't loan half of famous painting to China
Sophia Loren plays her own mother in TV biopic
Tim Burton honoured, Marion Cotillard hurt at French awards
Sargent, Velazquez reunited at the Prado
China warns of safety hazards in imported designer clothes
Fans go Gaga for video as Lady unveils new shows |
Winslet and director Mendes split |
OUCH! Oscar-winner Cotillard stuck with award pin |
Singer-songwriter Dan Black looks for U.S. breakthrough |
Euro nations pursue Greek rescue planning
Frustrated Thai red shirts press ahead with rally |
Men charged after Swedish cartoon 'plot' probe
Netanyahu defies U.S. over Jerusalem settlement |
Brown blasts BA strike, airline vows to keep flying
Ambitious plan seeks to make US a broadband leader
Lehman administrator files record bankruptcy plan
FAA Orders Airlines To Inspect 600 Boeing 737 Planes
Aftershock hits off coast of Chile, no damage |
Tea Party Supporter Armey Praises Democrat Speaker Pelosi, Criticizes Republicans
Obama demands 'courage' as health care vote looms
Cuba slams US easing of sanctions on Web services
U.N. set for more discreet talks with Taliban: envoys |
Boston Scientific Halts Sales Of Defibrillators
FBI arrives for Mexico probe in consulate slayings
Bus, Train Collision Hurt 19 In Houston
Researchers Unlock New HIV Inhibitor In Bananas
China has become more concerned about Iran: foreign minister |
Obama: We are going to get the votes on healthcare
U.S. Markets Rally Late On Financials, Finish Mixed
US-TECH Summary
Continental Ending Free Food On Many Flights For Most Economy Passengers
British boy kidnapped in Pakistan freed |
Killing of Americans pressures Mexico in drug war
Broadband plan aims to boost speed, wireless
Europeans Call Pentagon Aircraft Contract 'Protectionist'
Gunbattle erupts at Indian space centre |
US sends FBI to probe consular slayings in Mexico
Senator Dodd Unveils Financial Reform Plan
CORRECTED: Yahoo loses revenue chief to Web content start-up
Prius Failure Claim By California Man Not Substantiated By Tests
Twitter co-founder says Great Firewall of China will fall
Twitter meshes into websites with @Anywhere
NY Times fires back at Wall Street Journal
Militant and hate group Internet use grows: report
Officials: British boy kidnapped in Pakistan found
Saudi warns charity scams could fund terror
State of disaster declared in cyclone-hit Fiji
Shootout erupts at Indian space centre
Afghan gov't to send more police to Kandahar
Sri Lanka's hero general faces court martial
SAfrica denies NKoreans working on World Cup spots
China warns Google to obey rules even if it pulls out |
China star Zhang takes blame in 'Donationgate'
Frustrated Thai "red shirts" press ahead with rally
Google sees mobile ad rates passing PC rates |
US official cancels trip to Japan last minute
Yahoo loses revenue chief to Web content start-up |
Woes could spark N.Korea regime collapse: think-tank
Broadband plan aims to boost speed, wireless |
HBO puts "The Pacific" online
US-Indonesia military deal uncertain ahead of Obama visit
China without Google: 'a lose-lose scenario'
Hollywood braces for talks on DVD releases
Seoul shares slip 0.1 pct; autos rise
Winslet and director Mendes split
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Seoul shares rangebound; Hynix rises
Abba, Genesis inducted into rock's Hall of Fame
Jason Segel to star in Muppets movie
Seoul shares edge up; Hynix jumps after block deal
Hollywood braces for talks on DVD releases
Abba, Genesis inducted into rock's Hall of Fame |
Fans go Gaga for video as Lady unveils new shows |
Sony in $250 million deal with Jackson's estate: report |
Kate Winslet, Sam Mendes separate after 7 years |
Channing Tatum approached for Captain America |
Charlie Sheen pleads not guilty to assaulting wife |
Jason Segel to star in Muppets movie |
HBO puts The Pacific online |
Paula Abdul in talks for Star Search |
Hollywood braces for talks on DVD releases |
Riots in Jerusalem as Hamas calls for 'intafada'
Kidnapped British boy released in Pakistan
Palestinians, Israeli police clash in Jerusalem |
Erin Andrews peephole stalker lands in jail
Iran praises Iraq election as Shi'ite ally leads
China more concerned about Iran, wary on sanctions |
Afghanistan confirms blanket pardon for war crimes |
Afghanistan denies peace talks with Taliban No. 2 |
U.S. missile strike kills 10 militants in Pakistan |
Eight dead, 11 wounded in Iraq bomb attacks: police |
Britain presses China on well-known missing dissident |
Habitat loss wiping out Europe's butterflies
Kate Winslet and director husband Mendes split
Shell says will slash another 1,000 jobs by 2011
Rio 'in talks' with Chinalco over big Africa field
"Regis And Kelly" Going Back To School To Honor Teachers
Distracted Northwest Pilots Drop License Appeals
Facebook Taking Bite Into Google's Web Traffic Dominance
Country Singer Justin Moore's Guitar Stolen After Show
Officials Kill Wolves Blamed For Killing Alaskan Teacher
Lottery Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
Jay-Z Announces European Tour Dates
Supreme Court Justice Stevens To Decide On Retirement
Schools accused in Google hacking case ask why us? |
Lord & Taylor's "Prom-A-Palooza" Features New Trends & Benefits Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Erin Andrews peephole stalker lands in jail |
Vitamin D Supplements May Be Effective In Treating Heart Disease
Thai protests turn bloody -- but not violent
Egypt regulator enforces Internet voice call ban |
Thai protesters pour own blood on gate of govt HQ
Artists in China compensated after daring protest
Pro-N.Korean school mums rally in Japan
1 dead, 4 wounded in attack in Indian Kashmir
Vietnam releases leading dissident from prison
E.Timor still waiting for Indonesia apology: president
Sri Lankan opposition leader faces court-martial
Thai protesters give blood then pour it on streets
Malaysian minister rejects child marriage reform
Erin Andrews peephole stalker lands in jail |
Taiwan says China trade pact could be inked by May
Pakistani stocks end lower; rupee, o/n rates flat
FACTBOX-S.Korea government influence on c.bank policy
SKorea names OECD ambassador to lead central bank
China criticizes US pressure over currency
FACTBOX-Five facts about new Bank of Korea governor
GM rice found in Chinese supermarkets: Greenpeace
S.Korea's OECD delegate to be next c.bank chief
Toyota counts rising cost of recall woes
The Unknown Knocker Annoys N.C. Neighbors
China again tells Google to obey the law
Turkish Women Banned From Undergoing Artificial Insemination Abroad
University Student Beats Sister In Rock-Paper-Scissors Championship Bid
Contestants turn torturers in French TV experiment
Sony, Jackson estate inks $250mln deal
China plans film to mark Communist Party birthday
Channing Tatum approached for "Captain America"
Abba, Genesis join eclectic Rock Hall of Fame
HBO puts "The Pacific" online
Paula Abdul in talks for "Star Search"
Big laughs in Kirstie Alley's new reality show
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01