Obaida Arnaout | |
|---|---|
عبيدة أرناؤوط | |
| Spokesperson for theMilitary Operations Command's Political Affairs Administration | |
| Leader | Ahmad al-Sharaa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hama, Syria |
Obaida Arnaout (Arabic:عبيدة أرناؤوط) is a Syrian politician who was a spokesperson for the Political Affairs Administration of theMilitary Operations Command inSyria.[1]
He gained widespread attention following controversial statements regarding the role of women in the government and society, sparking significant debate on social media platforms and in political circles.[1]
On 18 December 2024, Arnaout gave an interview in which he stated that "the essence of women and their biological and psychological nature do not fit all positions, such as the Ministry of Defense",[2] and, "As for women's representation in ministerial and parliamentary roles, we believe that this matter is premature and should be left to legal and constitutional experts who will work on rethinking the structure of the new Syrian state".[3] Arnaout's 18 December statements were interpreted by historianJuan Cole as implying a ban against women serving as members ofparliament, as ministers, or as prime minister. ResearcherMilena Zain al-Din fromDamascus University disagreed with the spokesperson's statement, stating, "We, the young women and women of Syria, are activists, politicians, human rights advocates, journalists, economists, academics, workers, and homemakers. ... Obeida Arnaout's rhetoric is unacceptable. The Syrian woman, who has struggled and endured alongside millions of Syrian women, is not waiting for you to choose a place or role for her that aligns with your mindset for building our nation".[2] There was "widespread criticism" online in reaction to Arnaout's statement.[3]