
Noor Almaleki was a pretty, fun-loving 20-year-old living in Phoenix when her father rammed into her in his Jeep Grand Cherokee, fracturing her head and spine, and ultimately killing her. This was no accident. Her father was angry at his daughter: She had refused to marry an Iraqi man back in her father's homeland. With her skinny jeans, MySpace page, and love of Chipotle, she had become "too American."
Noor had dishonored her father, he would later tell police. Crimes such as this — in which a man kills a female relative for "shaming" the family — have deep, tenacious roots in the tribal traditions of the Middle East and South Asia. Now these so-called honor killings have come to America. But justice is being served: This week, Noor's father was found guilty of second-degree murder (opens in new tab) in Phoenix. It is likely that he will spend the rest of his life in jail.
I had the privilege of meeting Noor's closest friends when I wrote an exposé on her murder last year. They told me about Noor's struggles as a young woman with a foot in two worlds — suburban America and tribal Iraq. They described a young woman who dreamed of being a teacher, who loved shopping at Forever 21 and wearing jeweled sandals. Their loyalty to their friend is inspiring; they've started a Facebook group in her honor. You can read about Noor in my story (opens in new tab), and join Noor's Facebook group (opens in new tab) to show your support.
Abigail Pesta is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes for major publications around the world. She is the author of The Girls: An All-American Town, a Predatory Doctor, and the Untold Story of the Gymnasts Who Brought Him Down.
-
The Rise of Scandinavian Beauty
Hydrated-focused and conscientious, Scandinavian beauty philosophies are more popular—and timely—than ever.
By Deena Campbell
-
This Luxe Serum Soothed My Rosacea-Prone Skin Instantly
Gucci Westman knows what she's doing.
By Samantha Holender
-
Princess Kate Gave a Masterclass in Business-Casual Dressing in Latest Royal Appearance
As per.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun Safety
The Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
By Sen. Tammy Duckworth
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein