Below are a collection of resources for Sarah Bierstock’s HONOR KILLING. Research points are defined in the order they appear in the script.

BBC: The British Broadcasting Corporation is the largest and oldest national broadcasting organization. Visit BBC here to get an idea of the vast array of reporting they do worldwide. (Page 3, 4, & 15)

“Salam”: A greeting or salutation of “peace” in the Muslim world. There are conflicting ideas on whether Muslims should use this when addressing non-Muslims; however, in the case of Abbas and Allisyn the majority could argue that it is acceptable as initiated by Abbas due to their close friendship.  (Page 3 & 68)

Skype: One of the largest, mainly free, communication services utilized worldwide (video calls, online messaging). In 2010, Skype reported that they had nearly 660 million users, of which 300 million were active monthly users. Skype has had a profound effect on international communication. (Page 3, etc.)

 “Allah Hafiz”: A salutation meaning “God protect you” in Urdu. Visit this interesting article from The Guardian about the etymology of this phrase in Pakistan. (Page 4 & 8)

Journalist Visa: Obtaining a journalist visa with the government of Pakistan for American journalists is a relatively extensive process. The application includes the initial six page general visa request, as well as a two page addendum for journalists, film, TV, and documentary teams. This document requests the purpose of travel (all subjects going to be covered in detail), visa applicant’s itinerary, dignitaries to be interviewed, and information regarding previous visits. It is possible that Allisyn’s initial request was accepted, but on further review of her past activities it was revoked. (Page 5, 10, & 39)

“Pakistan is not the Middle East…”: While this does not need overt explanation, this article on The World Post sheds light on this particular view and misconceptions around the world. *Reminder that this source (The Huffington Post) is often heavily influenced by its authors’ opinions* (Page 13)

Sharia: Islamic canonical law based on the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet (Hadith and Sunna), prescribing both religious and secular duties and sometimes retributive penalties for lawbreaking. It has generally supplemented by legislation adapted to the conditions of the day, though the manner in which it should be applied in modern states is a subject of dispute between Muslim traditionalists and reformists (oxforddictionaries.com). (Page 16, 36, & 39) – Additional opinion-based resources – “Five myths about sharia”, “Trump doesn’t understand what Sharia is”, and “Abusing Women and Islam”

Carlotta Gall: A senior foreign correspondent for The New York Times (bio and recent articles here). She won a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, along with additional NY Times staff, for “masterful, groundbreaking coverage of America’s deepening military and political challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan, reporting frequently done under perilous conditions”. Her writings on Pakistan include unfettered, brutal depictions of the country assisting the Taliban and hiding Osama bin Laden. (Page 16)

Coptics: The vast majority of Egyptian Christians. Read more about the violence and targeting of this religious group Ben mentions in HONOR KILLING. (Page 20)

Muslim Brotherhood: A religious and political group founded on the belief that Islam is not simply a religion, but a way of life. It advocates a move away from secularism, and a return to the rules of the Quran as a basis for healthy families, communities, and states (CNN.com).  More information available here. (Page 20)

ISIS: Abbreviation for the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and Daesh in Arabic, a term that the group’s members despise. For up to date information regarding ISIS related news, visit this compilation of recent news. (Page 20)

Al Qaeda: An international terrorist group dedicated to opposing non-Islamic governments with force and violence (PBS.com). Founded by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980’s, more current news about Al Qaeda can be found here. (Page 21)

Taliban: In recent years, this group has re-emerged in Afghanistan and grew far stronger in Pakistan. According to CNN, the group’s aim is to “impose its interpretation of Islamic law on Afghanistan and remove foreign influence from the country”. They have maintained massive influence and control over northwest Pakistan in the recent past.  A detailed outline of this movement by BBC News is available here. (Page 21)

Al Jazeera: A state-funded broadcaster based in Qatar and is among the largest news organizations in the world. Visit Al Jazeera here to see the wide array of reporting they complete worldwide. (Page 35 & 37)

The Dawn: Pakistan’s largest and oldest English news publication. Explore the site’s local, national, and worldwide reporting here. (Page 35)

Urial & Ibex: Two species found in the Salt Range of Pakistan. The former is a wild sheep, the latter a wild goat. (Page 42)

Law of Diyat: “The legal heirs of a deceased have the right to make a compromise with the offender under section 309 or 310. In the first provision, legal heirs can forgive the murderer in the name of God without getting any monetary compensation in the form of Diyat, while under section 310 the legal heirs can compromise after receiving Diyat in their respective shares. The minimum value of blood money is the value of 30630 grams of silver [17,469.95 US Dollars] on the first day of the month of July each year”. Despite this laws existence, section 311 states that the court can convict a person even if a compromise took place. “Following amendments in the PPC in early 2005, murders on the name of honour…the imprisonment shall not be less than 10 years”. Unfortunately, section 311 is rarely invoked. (The Dawn) (Page 52)

Pakistani Peoples Party: A left-wing, socialist, and progressivist party in Pakistan. The party was founded in 1967 under the following principles – “the emancipation of our people from poverty, ignorance, want and disease, the uplift of women and minorities, the elimination of Kalashnikov culture, a free media, an independent judiciary, a neutral civil service, rule of law and merit, the settlement of disputes with neighbors through peaceful means, honoring international contracts and laws/covenants and sovereign guarantees to achieve a responsible status through a foreign policy that suits our national interests.” (PPP.org.pk)

Sherry Rehman: A liberal Pakistani journalist turned politician. Sherry Rehman served as the Ambassador to the United States from November 2011 to May 2013. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Visit her website here. (Page 66)

Additional useful information: The majority of Pakistani Muslims practice Sunni Islam, while a small percentage (between 5-20%) practices Shia Islam. Learn more about the distinction here.