Logan Attack Highlights Women's Plight

For a moment the glorious dream of liberation in Egypt appeared to hold promise for everyone. But the vicious sexual assault on CBS News' Lara Logan underscored the plight of women in Egypt, who are often subjected to catcalls, groping and assaults in their own country, reports MSNBC. The same night Logan was assaulted, other women reported being harassed and groped. "The men were very respectful during the revolution," said Egyptian feminist Nawla Darwiche. But "sexual harassment occurred that night, and I was harassed."

Sex assault and harassment is common in Egypt, and even women covered by floor-length veils are targets. Some 83% of Egyptian women and 98% of foreign women surveyed in Cairo reported being harassed—while 62% of men admitted to harassing, according to a report. Conservative men who believe women should stay stay off the streets often assume those spotted alone in public are fair game, say women's rights advocates. Still, some are hopeful that the situation will change in a new Egypt. "When people think about a big thing, and all of us collect for a main goal, our good morals return," said activist Rasha Hassan. (More Lara Logan stories.)