Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj's op-ed addresses the critical issue of women's rights in the context of the Syrian crisis. Mr. Hallaj focuses on the societal role of women, going beyond their portrayal as victims of the conflict. He highlights the problem of associating femininity with humiliation and masculinity with honor, questioning the future of Syria if such perceptions persist.

Mr. Hallaj criticizes the entrenchment of medieval masculine values in society, noting that despite some progress in women's rights, these values are deeply rooted in the subconscious and perpetuated by cultural products like historical TV series. These series, he argues, reinforce a culture of masculinity intertwined with violence, negatively impacting the perception of women's rights.

The op-ed delves into the emotional manipulation used in political disagreements, where masculinity is often invoked to mobilize masses. Mr. Hallaj points out that this not only affects women's rights but also underpins a culture of violence and revenge, further complicating the Syrian crisis.

Mr. Hallaj observes that both sides of the political spectrum in Syria exploit women's issues for their gain. Women are often absent from public discourse, except as victims, and their rights are used to criticize opponents rather than genuinely advocating for change. This exploitation extends to the historical neglect of women's rights in the region, where they have been sidelined in favor of other issues like independence, socialism, or democracy.

The writer calls for a reevaluation of Syria's constitution to ensure women's rights are enshrined and protected. He questions why discussions about reforming laws and establishing democracy do not include explicit legal guarantees against discrimination towards women. Mr. Hallaj emphasizes that true progress in Syria cannot be achieved without addressing the personal status laws of various sects and ensuring women's full rights.

In conclusion, Mr. Hallaj advocates for a political discourse that moves beyond exploiting chivalry and masculinity and genuinely addresses women's rights. He argues that democracy and freedom in Syria depend on respecting and defending all rights, not just those that align with traditional masculine values.