Gentlemen,

Firstly,

kindly read what I'm actually saying.
Not what you think I said.

It might be worth noting that there are 1.6 billion
Muslims in the world. They come from different
cultures, speak different languages, and there
are 1.6 billion ways to be Muslim. People just may
be doing it differently.

The idea that Islam is practiced in exactly the
same way by all Muslims is a "lazy trope."
I tried to suggest with the Susan Carland reference,
that the best way to overcome this way of thinking
and for those interested in the subject was to
switch off the TV and newspaper headlines and
actually speak to Muslim women instead.

Also my aim and the examples I gave about violence
in our own societies was not meant as a defense
of what is done by Muslim fundamentalists. It was
meant to simply point out that instead of pointing
the finger at any one group - how about us cleaning up
our own backyard. We're not so perfect.

Yes, this discussion is about women in Islam. It was
raised by a Muslim. But the judgements being made by
some are not rational. And need to be challenged precisely
because of that.

Whilst I might agree with some of the comments on this topic, assuming we take the heading as the topic, because the comments have been vast and varied, and as many have pointed out, in some cases, have no relevance to the heading.
Never-the-less, following on from the lead of others, has anyone considered that what we, 'non-Muslims' believe or think, is not in question or even relevant.
I might suggest that this type of issue starts and will end from within the Muslim culture.
Nothing we, the infidels, say will EVER influence a 'true believer'.
So it is, I find the title and comments moot.
Only the Muslims can comment, or do anything about this problem.
We are merely observers.
What we say and think are of no use if, 'A' we can't do anything about it, as it appears that we can't even do anything about it in our own country and by our own laws and judiciary.
'B', influence the righting of these wrongs at the only level it can be achieved through, the 'Imams'? not sure of their correct title, I'm not Muslim, so I give it as much respect or thought as I do any other religion, which I am convinced they should all be known or referred to as 'cults'.
Until a 'real' God appears and communicates directly with us, his people, my pragmatism and objectivity are my best guide to these issues

Good point Foxy regarding the idea of talking to Muslim women on this instead of talking for them.

Also good point ALTRAV, that for the most part a non Muslim's view on Muslim at tears is an ignored view by those in Islam.

Regardless though, the issue for having rights in Islam is something I hope will be achieved someday by women that are either Muslim, or regardless of their religion live in Islamic countries.

Without the aid of our author we got to near 60 posts
I am most pleased to agree some Muslim women are having wins every day
And too look forward to a day they are indeed equals with their men, that however maybe a long way away
Worth noting a poll taken in the middle east says over 20 percent answered they are not followers of any religion [ABC National to day]
Reporting on a middle eastern polling group

I am most pleased to agree some Muslim women are having wins every day
Belly,
Mark my words, those wins are actually a double-edged sword in the making !

The authority on women's role in Islam is dictated by Imams, Clerics and lawyers of Sharia. Because many woman in Islam are not familiar with the edicts of Islam. These are enforced by her father, brothers and husband, she is merely owned by them.