Relief for Mauritanian Girls

As of this morning, 30 Muslim leaders in Mauritania have publicly banned female circumcision.

This newsbite from the Associated Press gave me great hope for the slow battle of overcoming culturally self-inflicted torture:
"Cheikh Ould Zein, head of the Forum of Islamic Thought, says the scholars believe the Koran does not endorse cutting young girls' genitals to limit their sexual activity as women. He said Monday that the leaders also agreed to preach against the practice at their mosques."

I imagine a great sigh of relief passing over this West African country this morning, although I see a struggle in their future. Some people, even women, will fight to continue this horrific practice, and I pray that they one day realize the long term effects this has on all involved.