The Syrian government has issued a decree ordering women to wear burkinis or other full-body swimwear on public beaches and pools, while Western-style swimsuits are only allowed in private clubs and luxury hotels. This decision is part of a broader decree that includes guidelines for public safety on beaches. The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that swimwear should respect public decency and the feelings of different segments of society. This measure comes in the context of a transitional government in Syria, largely composed of Islamist groups, following a coalition that ousted Bashar al-Assad. The restrictions do not apply to private pools and luxury hotels where Western swimwear is permitted with appropriate behavior.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize the human rights and gender freedom implications of the decree, often framing it as a restrictive measure imposed by an Islamist-influenced transitional government that limits women’s autonomy and enforces conservative dress codes. They may highlight concerns about women’s rights and the broader political context of the regime change in Syria.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the decree and its context, focusing on the government’s stated reasons such as public decency and safety, and the distinction between public and private spaces. They provide balanced coverage of the cultural and political background without strong editorializing, noting the transitional government’s composition and the social norms it seeks to enforce.
Right: Right-leaning media often frame the decree as an example of Islamist imposition and cultural conservatism, sometimes warning about the spread of Islamic law and restrictions on Western freedoms. They may emphasize the contrast between Western swimwear and the mandated burkini, portraying it as a loss of liberal values and a sign of increasing religious control.
