Bravo that this mother was in the unique position to not only extract justice for her son, but to evoke changes in a system that was clearly further victimizing crime victims.

You could not pay me to go over there.

I understand that they are trying to have a progressive philosophy, but it is undermined by centuries of ignorant tradition.

I hope the changes are real, lasting, and not just a surface aquiesence to political pressures.

Karen Anderson, Cary, NC

Interesting comments from Al.

Gawd help us all.

Steve Evans, Hong Kong,

Al, Dubai, what are you saying, the laws in uae allow rape and we should bow to that??

mo, laverne, ca

One wonders how this all would have played out if they'd stayed in Dubai.

Not nearly so positively, I suspect.

It's clear that there was no justice in this system. This system sought to make the problem go away with the least amount of effort.

If the boy had phsycailly remained under their power, the easiest resolution would've been to toss him into jail. SInce that wasn't an option due to him being out of the country, the easiest resolution then became what they did here.

But, at least he was in an enlightened country and not subject to 200 lashings like rape victims in another, nearby country whom we won't name.

Flavius Iulianus, Redmond, USA

Why are these Europeans moving out of their countries. Maybe theys see them as crappy. Get out of UAE if you do not respect the laws!! Dont you say that to your own immigrants. Now the boot is on the other foot.

Al, Dubai, UAE

I think that this woman was very brave for what she believed in and how she stood up for her son. She is what every mother strives to be and I applaud her for that!

Jessica, Mississauga, ON, Canada

Much the same as some Priests seem to "go off the rails" because they are forced to be celibate, it seems that some Muslims similarly "go off the rails" because they too have to be "celibate" because of their religion. Either way its is wrong and the Emiratis need to acknowlegde it occurs and deal with it, not try and cover it up.

Edward, Singapore, UK

Another example of perverted Islamic law. (Coming to the UK soon given the birth demographics amongst immigrant Muslim populations.)
The mother is a truly courageous woman.

Jen Dale, Birghton, Sussex.,

It's just incredible that a country that had suffered the most terrible things in its history, hadn't learned anything about life, about a fair life. About justice and God. It's really sad because all the things they do only show us that they hadn't suffered enough. Why do they still cause pain and harm to themselves? Are we mistaken? Are we wrong?
The Bible is really clear, we're heading towards our own end... and that's so sad. There is no justice, there is no more love or mercy. The only hope we have these days is that in the end of our times we will have Divine Justice.

Daniela, Santiago,