Mrrzy: The veil is not the worst imposition upon women; my understanding (I've not checked this thoroughly and so am working "from memory") s that genital mutilation is probably more predominant in some African cultures than anywhere else in Islam.

Also not all Middle Eastern Islamic nations require woment to "take the veil" - Iraq is particularly "moderate" in this respect. Just as not parts of Afghanistan are as bad in their treatment of women.

IanC - there's a difference between strong religious beliefs and that which is generally understood by fundamentalism (which seems to involve inflicting ones own beliefs on others who don't share them, by extreme force if necessary). I certainly share your beliefs, if not your religious basis for them.

G.