A Canadian Hero - Dr. Monia Mazigh

Most, if not all Canadians will recognize the name Monia Mazigh. She is the wife of Maher Arar who was just awarded 10.5 million dollars and an apology from the Canadian government and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Without the valiant effort of this woman to free her man, so to speak, Maher Arar might still be languishing in a Syrian prison where he spent one year of his life being tortured. Worse, he might have been executed. He was there because the American government decided, with help from the RCMP and CSIS, that he was a terrorist and deported him to Syria even though he was a Canadian citizen. He has been exonerated of that charge, hence the 10.5 million dollar payout.

But it was his wife who went on a relentless campaign to the media and government officials to ensure her husband was never forgotten. Not exactly how we picture Muslim women is it, but she is an unusual woman. She has a doctorate in financial economics from McGill University and a wonderful communicator. She also understood how government works and who to enlist in her quest to free her husband. She said that "she had lost her life. I didn't have more to loose"

How many of us would have her courage. She has now stepped out of the limelight but to read more check out this link.

In spite of being cleared by a Canadian inquiry, Maher Arar is still on the American no fly list. That, in my opinion is a crime and I can only say to Mr. Arar, there are a lot of places in this world you can go for 10.5 million bucks...enjoy them all.