" I left my husband a year after 9/11. Not because he was an American and I an Egyptian, nothing to do with culture or religion, nothing to do with 9/11. We brought out the worst in each other. But before we separated, we visited N.Y.C. one more time together for a friend’s engagement, and we went to pay our respects at the site of the attacks. "
- Mona Eltahawy

This quote touches on personal relationships and their complexities amidst global events. Mona Eltahawy shares a reflection about her marriage, explaining that she ended it due to deep-seated issues between herself and her husband rather than external factors like nationality or cultural differences. She visited New York City together with him after the 9/11 attacks, symbolizing both closure in their personal journey and respect for the historical event.

The deeper meaning of Eltahawy's words highlights the intricate nature of individual relationships and how they can be affected by broader societal contexts without being defined by them. She emphasizes that her decision to divorce was based on mutual negativity rather than cultural or political tensions, which is a nuanced perspective often overlooked in discussions about intercultural marriages. By mentioning their visit to the site of the 9/11 attacks together, Eltahawy underscores the significance of personal experiences and emotional bonds over societal divisions.

Mona Eltahawy is an Egyptian-American journalist and commentator known for her insightful writings on gender issues and Middle Eastern politics. Her work frequently addresses the intersection of cultural identity and women's rights, making her a prominent voice in contemporary discourse about social justice and cross-cultural understanding.