I have actually  been doing research on the veil for my Women and Gender is Islam class and I have come across some interesting things.  What has caught my attention the most, is women in Western societies who choose to veil.  Through my research, I have seen that they not only choose to veil for religious purposes--many choose to do so for social utility.  In our society, people are bombarded with images of the ideal beautiful woman.  For many of us, it is impossible to live up to this, and it just seems like many objectify ourselves trying to do so.  A lot of women I read about wear the veil in order to rebel against this beauty standard--you see the woman for who she is, her intellect, her personality, her soul.  Physical appearance is taken out of the picture.  I can totally see the utility in this.  

You say you could never "change my life in order to appease militias," however, you did exactly that when you went to visit your Aunt. You are not walking what you're talking.

But I thought islam is the religion of peace!?! Surely this is some kind of evil western propaganda, portraying Islam as mysoginist in the extreme! This must be a deliberate misinformation attempt to slander Islam, like the west did when the jews destroyed those buildings on 9/11, and tried to blame it on muslim terrorists instead. At least I hope those women killed for not wearing a veil get their own virgins in heaven, like those martyrs do when they suicide bomb markets and schools.

I am originally from Bosnia and I am a Muslim too.  I have never worn a veil except when praying.  I wasn never obligated to wear it!  I think it all depends on how you were raised and where the person lives.  In some Muslim countries its the law for a woman to wear a vail, but then there are countries where you are not required to wear one...so it all depends on your cirumstances.

I feel that the veil is a personal choice, Many people
of a religion do not quite understand the words of their Holy Book. There is a metaphoric veil that keeps us safe from bad situations and that is to lower
our gaze at each other and to dress appropriatly and to be respectful of others. stay modist and cover our chest. Above all put on the dress of rightousness not self rightousness.

Could what's happening in Iraq equate to what's going on in France where it's almost mandatory to not wear it. I'm sure France isn't as extreme as it is in Iraq but I believe there are similarities. All in all people should have the right to choose what type of attire they wish to wear. As long as their not running around naked I don't see what's the problem.

If the mind is the creator of everything there is, good and bad, then the veil will protect the woman from bad. After all wasn't she used before in the creation by..... . I give the benefit of the doubt that wearing the veil may be good for woman.

Masked men have long been considered outlaws and therefore illegal in most parts.  Why should women be any different?

All religions use the oppression of women to solidify the power of men and increase their number of  male adherents. The  violent control over women that Americans are seeing not only in Iraq but also in Iran and Saudi Arabia is just more evidence that my words speak the truth.  Born and raised a Ctholic, I now see what that religion is all about and I don't like what I have been seeing. Be courageous!

Without being fully educated as to the religious aspects of the veil, i could not judge a woman who wears the veil because it is a part of her personal belief system.  however, my god would never force me to wear a veil, nor would he condone those who kill me because i refuse to wear one.  i think the veil is really a male symbol of power over the women of islamic countries who are dominated and repressed.  i think it is a shame that women are treated this way, and i applaud women who have the courage to stand up and fight for their rights

I write to wish you well and applaud your courage. These brutes are NOT the real representatives of Islam. They merely use it to cloak their innate viciousness. They don't love god - they hate women. Good luck to you and other women who resist the militias. If there is an afterlife, they will be punished for their crimes against their sisters.

When you read stories such as this, it makes one wonder why more Muslim women dont stand up and fight against these religious extremists?  If extremism Islam is the "norm" in the Middle East then its easy to see why Muslim males dehumanizes women to the level of cattle.  The sad part is that the rest of the world insists on calling Islam a peaceful, honorable religion when its anything but...

We are all (male/female) born into this world innocent and free, except women who are FORCED to accept Islam as a way of life. Their future is one of torment and subjegation.....

I have no issue with those who choose to wear a veil IF it's their personal choice to do so.  What I hate to see or read about is a twisting or perversion of religious ideals that results in subjugating or curtailing the freedom of people, especially women, simply because insecure people fear the alternative.  (And in my opinion, that is applicable to any religion--Islam, Chrisitianity, Judaism, or any other faith.  Each is guilty of attributing evil and sin to others, a form of self-absolution in the process.)  So, in terms of your own story: I respect you for being in the first category of women in Iraq.  I also respect those in the second category you mentioned--those who wear the veil or cover because they like and believe in it, not because they are forced to.  Those two categories, to me, represent freedom--the freedom to choose, albeit under limited circumstances as you have mentioned.  I feel very badly for those in categories three and four, and you yourself became part of the last group briefly out of respect for your aunt's safety.  I hope that you continue to be able to live freely for the majority of your life. Best wishes.

Maybe it was not so bad under Saddam, after all, when we consider a multitude of things that are no longer allowed since the invasion.

I have always wondered why is it that you only hear about Islamic law pertaining to women.  Why don't men have to wear face covers and have women punishing them if they disobay?

Its good when women cover up but they shouldnt be forceed too but teh other thing is ALL MUSLIMS dont force women 2 do so so i hope everyone doesnt think that ALL WOMEN ARE FORCED TO WEAR THEM.INSHALLAH ALL OF THESE WARS WILL END AND INSHALLAH EVERYOEN WILL BE IN PEACE SOON

its a choice not forced upon a woman the law of the land or it could be freedom what ever u decide its up to u its not to pleased to anyone i have seen american women born and raised here who cover their head veil i asked them and they said it s their choice which extremist forced them wear just look at the news or rape,murder,or any sexual crime and then see the cause of their pattern behaviour and u gona come up the conclusion it happen

The wearing of the veil has no connection to Islam. There is no mention of the veil in the Koran or other "sacred" documents. As a practising Anglican who has worked for years in Saudi, Yemen, Emirates AND Israel, the connection between the veil and Islam is totally ridiculous.
In all probability, the veil was a clever device to confuse the marauding local tribes and caravaners into deciding exactly who was a tasty 12 year old and who was an 80 year old hag.
Think about it.

This is a great example that should show the Bush administration and their Iraq invasion supporters that things are not better off now for all Iraquis!

Just wanted to say I'd read your post and the BBC article and find the stories disturbing. On the other hand, I've been opposed to laws against veils and head scarves while living in the US and Germany. I beleive the scarves come down to an individual woman's right to choose what she wears.

Given the widespread commodification of a woman's figure through pornography and commercial images, there are sound reasons why it seems to a me a woman would want to wear a veil and robe. In a way, it challenges men to think about the reasons they consider women "desirable" or "respectable" and examine their reasons for being put off, mystified, or intimidated by the veil. I recall a woman friend of mine in Germany, who was very pretty and fit, enying the veil and robe she saw in some turkish quarters of Berlin, saying that she wished there were some barrier between her and the hungry eyes of men she didn't know.

On the other, I do feel that it's a person's fundamental choice to decide what they wear. And being forced to do so, not because of your own faith but that of men determined to make you conform, is an imposition and wrong. If the leaders were concerned about "improving your character" one would think they would let you wear what you choose so they could see on which women they needed to focus their effort. Thus, forcing the veil on women who don't want to it smacks to me more of power tripping than piety: they want you to remember that you bow to them, not only in your clothing choices but in others.

In any case, Ma'am, thanks for taking the time to send us your thoughts and facing the risks you to bring us peices of the truth from inside Iraq. May the peace of God be upon you.

The wearing of the veil has no connection to Islam. There is no mention of the veil in the Koran or other "sacred" documents. As a practising Anglican who has worked for years in Saudi, Yemen, Emirates AND Israel, the connection between the veil and Islam is totally ridiculous.
In all probability, the veil was a clever device to confuse the marauding local tribes and caravaners into deciding exactly who was a tasty 12 year old and who was an 80 year old hag.
Think about it.

I wish a person could wear the veil (incl. niqab, the face veil) in America without it seeming strange or causing stares. I think it is very beautiful and it protects a person's privacy. A man who is a stranger has no need to see your face or figure if you are not comfortable with it. In the US, women and girls dress up and show off, but then men are not supposed to look (especially at young girls)even if a woman is showing cleavage ("eyes up here, buddy"). If men are not supposed to ogle women, at their T&A, etc. and if you get mad when men look, then don't show it to them.

PS men who work in strip clubs as bouncers etc. lose their attraction to scantily clad or nude females. They definitely notice tho a well-dressed, smartly and attractively dressed, woman, like in a suit or nice dress that's not too revealing.

There are many in the US who promote modest dress among women (and men). Incl. christian conservatives, and this has spread. A lot of mainstream people are against "Brittney Spears" type dress and are tired of seeing it everywhere, on young girls, teen girls, 20's girls, 30's, even married women and Moms, or older women like Madonna does. Large dept stores such as Pennies and Nordstrom are having girls and teens "modesty" fashion shows. The clothes are still cute, and the girls still like them and think they are cool (they had focus groups of girls who helped design the clothes and tell the designers what they want and what they think is cool). Catalogue companies offer sweaters, shirts and coats that provide more "coverage" as they put in the description, in a hip length (which means, your butt is not out there for all to see). Many mainstream women prefer these. Who knows how many more would dress even more modestly if they would not get negative repercussions for doing so.

When I started to develop, I naturally started "covering" out of modesty. People pushed me to show off my figure. : ( I never was as showy as most of my girl friends (only wore makeup on certain occasions, did not usually wear shorts, etc.)I was not always comfortable going swimming because for a woman, going swimming is very little about swimming and more about having your body judged by others. You have to remove all your hair (incl usually a bikini wax - ouch!) and worry about if you look fat. For awhile, girls I swam with were wearing large oversized T shirts over their swimsuits when they swam. I heard men complained that they couldn't see anything of the girls' figures (most of whom were no older than 13) when they wore these T shirts (these were fathers and grandfathers of girls who were swimming). And fathers of young girls often ogle their young daughter's friends (my own Dad did this, starting when I was about 10. He also liked to go watch women's sports or on TV for the same reason. He took me to a women's rowing regatta because he wanted to see the women athlete in their tight wetsuit style outfits. I know this because he commented about it to me). A lot of men are much better than this of course, but my grandfather was a university professor and my father was a chief engineer (marine). They made very good money and seemed respectable enough. And there was a 14 year old girl in Ireland a few months ago impregnated by her best friends father. And also this year a girl the same age impregnated by her coach. Not all men will be this way but a surprising number will. Women have the right to veil or not but I feel we are being pressured to show ourselves to everyone and go through a lot of work to be "beautiful" for others' viewing pleasure (sometimes lavicious) even if we suffer pain or spend a lot of time and energy to do so, and are devalued for our personality or accomplishments if we don't ("prude", "dyke", "religious freak", etc.)

If it were not considered strange or cause stares, I would wear niqab here in the US when I have to go into the city, etc. Of course you do not wear it among your family or among women. You do whatever you want in your own home or in family occasions and female friend gatherings.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. It's just a piece of cloth, it's not a big deal to veil. The accompanying social strictures (can't go anywhere without a male escort, etc.) are more strict,and vary from country to country. Most countries are not this strict. I think only Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and at times Iran are this way. Afghanistan, women got to the bazaar, etc. by themself (often wearing really cute high heel shoes and a pedicure visible as per some articles I have read, many have noticed this fashion trend in Afghanistan).

In certain countries, you must wear the veil and sometimes niqab. In the US, you get harrassed for wearing the veil and even  more so if you wear niqab. We do have "freedom" in the US but there are cultural norms in each society that pretty much have to be followed unless you want a  lot of trouble for yourself. Again, when in Rome. There are lines within which you can work and accomplish pretty much what you want if you work within or around the rules. Again, not saying it's right, but it's not such a big deal (the Delaney sisters talked about traveling extensively in the US and Europe, they carefully picked their locations, their method of travel, and when they went on packages tours, the companies they chose to book and guide their tours or cruises, and they had a marvelous time. This was before segregation had ended in the US and many areas in the US and world were still unfriendly to blacks). Again I'm not saying it's right but rather than say "poor me I can't do anything", realize there are many ways around any situation, and pick you battles. Do you really want to show yourself off that badly? Islamic women are known for their extremely tasteful and beautiful dress -when they go to a women's luncheon or conference, family formal occasion, etc. Tailored suits etc. most people think better dressed than western women. However, they veil in the company of unrelated men. If you are eligible and seeking a mate, there are other ways to meet a mate (and more likely for success - eHarmony for example). And the more you show off your figure, there comes a point you might attract the wrong kind of man (married man looking for an affair, someone who is not interested in your personality at all, etc.).

I have had two female friends who were almost raped when they were out by themselves. They were both just walking by themselves. One hid in the bushes for two hours to escape (she was walking to the apartment she shared with her boyfriend, at night). She saw them circling in their cr and trying to find her. She was an overweight girl and just wearing her work clothes. The other, her boyfriend showed up a couple minutes later. That girl had heard some men in a car say "let's go back and get her" or something to that effect, in a definitely sinister way, and they were circling back to do so, when her boyfriend got there. She was not dressed like a hooker at all. So we think we are so evolved in the US but base instincts still abound. Of course women have every right to be out by themselves, but it is not always safe. That doesn't mean that it should be a rule where women can go and how they are dressed and if they have a male escort or not, but use common sense.

It might be better if we also ran just boys and girls schools separately with heterosexual teachers of that gender as the teachers (because look at the rate of teacher student sex - it has been estimated that there is at least one sexual predator teacher at the minimum in every school district - I myself witnessed a male teacher hitting on a 11 or 12 year old girl in my elementary school, making comments about her figure and how she dressed, etc.).

PS I am a caucasian american female who has no specific religious affiliation, although I have studied many religions incl. Islam and sufi-ism, read the whole bible, buddhism, Indian religions, pagan religions, judaism, mormonism, and incl. atheism, etc.

I would definitely wear niqab if I could.

And there is no reason to  "throw the baby out with the bathwater". It is great to learn about other cultures, and even if there is only one thing you learn that you like and agree with, there is no reason not to incorporate that into your own culture or own personal philosophy, just because some people are extremists in that culture (typically a visible minority that does not represent the whole very accurately).

Why can't we all keep our religion to ourselves and God.I have read the Bible many times and I did not  see anything about women must wear a veil so I suppose this a man made requirement, therefore it is usless.

I can totally agree with you situation.  This worse problem of all is that the United States has never realized it "can't buy friends".  Tried and proven many times over through history.

So now why do we, and who do we think we are trying to impose 'democracy' on countries of totally different beliefs, customs and faiths of religion.

The odd part is "DEMOCRACY" is a strange definition in the dictionary.  It equates to 'Mob Rule of All". Just what has happened there.....

Pray tell why we are trying to impose democracy on anyone.....and something that is escaping from us here every day,  due to politicians......

The United States is not a democracy......IT IS A REPUBLIC...........so many forget that.

Comon folks..u want democracy. good...MOB RULE...first we kill all the lawyers,  that way there can never be a politiican again.

And remember people, politicians look at acceptable loss.  No other country does this......they have more than enough to DIE for their cause.  The difference of value and no value on human life.......

Try to win on that thought......WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and still there...............Follow the money trail nowdays,  who is getting RICHer.

What I do not get are these feminists and other "modernists" who attack anything certain women want to wear because they believe in modesty rather than this "sexiness" appeal. If Christian women who claim they follow the Bible knew what it stated, they wouldn't be wearing all this flashy jewelry, revealing clothing, or extra makeup either.

are those who oppose the religouse teachings allowed to leave if so i suggest we help them to leave and not try to change the  way they want to live there
it is impossible to change set religous  believes altough i inderstand to us it is  agression against freedom  god willing some day they will understand

It is a mistake to allow Shite's to dominate Iraq.  The US should give full support to the Sunnis on the condition that they kill all Al-Quaida in Iraq.  A dictatorship dominated by Sunnis is better than a democracy dominated by Shites.
Also - I fail to undrstand why any European nation or the US would want to allow any Moslems to immigrate to their country.
US Christians should worry less about Gay Marriage an more about the Moslem threat to their culture and way of life.

Women in the Middle East need to fight for their right to freedom.  There is no God anywhere that would force women to walk around in a shroud.

God created us all in his image.  Why on earth would He then require us to cover that image up?  This is a stupid law by small-minded ignorant men who are afraid to allow women to be equals.

I guess that says a lot about the inability of the men to be real men.  But, I do not expect much more from those who are influenced by the evil that concocted 9/11.

Women - raise up and demand your freedom.

Arab males are so afraid that they will ose their women to another nationality male that will allow them to be themselves. This is not the middle ages, get wit the program and adapt to the modern society and let women live as they want to live. God- allah will be the one to judge each person on judgement day. Arab-muslims quit telling people how to live. You are not God-allah. Everyone has their own choice. Arab men are a bunch of homos anyways. Muslim women should all move to a country where they can still be muslim and live freely..like america, europe, UK, etc..Besides arab men don't know how to love and keep their women happy, they treat them like animals.

I'm glad that the writer mentioned the fact that some women DO believe in the cover and CHOOSE to wear it. We need to make sure that women are given the CHOICE to wear it if they'd like to and not to wear if they don't like to. What is happening now-a-days in some places is that the ones who want to wear it are being discriminated against and becoming the oppressed ones by society. Why can't we just be fair instead of going to one extreme or the other??

Who would dare to respond to this article?  That person would be killed as well.  Kind and gentle religion?  Humbug.

I don't see what the problem is. People don't understand that we are dealing with a few in a culture that believes that suicide bombings and killing sheep and spreading their blood on accomplishments is the norm.  Of course it's wrong, but when one is dealing wiht fanatics, it is impracticle to think you will ever changes them.  I feel very sorry for the women that can't express their rights, but of course they have not rights.

Here is a stupid solution to the veil or no veil dilemna...instead of anyone requiring a certain form of dress to comply with their "religious" training, why not simply decree that all folks who want to walk on the streets walk "buck naked" just like the creator brought you into this world. Think about it! No More IED's, NO need for search lines and gee, everyone will be dressed the same!

Religion in general, makes you do stupid things, whether it's Islamic or not.  Covering your face with a hanky, now how stupid is that.....come on, get real!

It is terrible, but I am not surprised that you made groudless accusation with zionist's attitude. Just like you, zionist and their symphatizers tend to find flaws in Islam, but all praises be to Allah, Islam is clean for everything that you claim. Ans veil is obligatory for a believer women to wear  in order to protect herself, reputation, dignity and beauty, but unlike "Munafiqiin" like you knows anything about it.

im glad i live in America where my formothers already fought for my rights. I hate the veil. I see it as a form of control.

It is time for American women to wake up.  Look at what is happening to their sisters of the world.    American women are arrogrant and or stupid.  They do not think this could happen to them.  They are wrong, wrong, wrong.

This is what the Islamists want to achieve, reverse 1400 years and enslave all women (and men) to their cult. It is clear that these cultists do not respect women (for as they are told in the Quran, a woman is worth little but to please her husband).
There is a male mindset that is terrified of women, terrified that they are smarter and more sensuous than man. That man has really only one role, and that is to ensure the woman is constantly pregnant.
Women all over the world should rise up against these cultic oppressors and not perpetuate the foolishness that is spoken of in the Quran.
See how many times love is spoken of in the Quran and then see how many times love is spoken of in the Holy Bible.
These people are thugs and will continue to thrive until their slaves refuse to play their games. Al Queda is modified form of Nazism. Control and subjugation through brutality. Read the former Muslim's website: http://wwww.faithfreedom.org/ and get really acquainted with one possible world future.

I am so sorry for women who must wear the veil. It is inconceivable to me that anyone would choose to do it.

no veil let us know who we are seeing

I am glad to be an american and enjoy freedoms denied to millions on this earth. I do have my religious beliefs, but consider it to be opressing when any one, government or otherwise try to force their beliefs upon us. In the begining GOD himself gave us the freedom to choose Him or go our way. NO ONE IN THIS WORLD, RELIGIOUS, GOVERNMETAL, OR POLITICAL, OR OTHER WISE HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKAKE AWAY OUR GOD GIVEN FREEDOMS. All those people, religious-extremist males, who think of themselves as the right hand of God will be DAMMED for the shame that they have brought to the TRUE GOD.

The hijab or veil causes women in the middle east to lack vitamin and often results in broken hips because of lack of vitamen D and acceralation of ostoperosis. It is a surprise that the democrats led by Nancy Polosi in the Senate and appears Hillary for the nomination that they are turning their backs on so many millions of women and that it is George Bush they must look to for freedom and rights.

Well I am Islam and what should I say ????  Our religion teaches nothing but terrorism (Jihad) and about how to kill people  Why are Muslims and only Muslim countries involved in all this? Now it's Pakistan asking for trouble. All because of the narrow mindedness and beaurocracy of their teachers hanging on to one book and finding different meanings to different verses, bad ones rather than good ones. Women should be educated that there is a world outside this shell of veil before it's too late. Pity our leaders, teachers and our religion !!

It warms my heart that the people of America are standing up for womens rights in the middle east. Any where women have equal rights to vote and standing in the courts and to drive, be educated there is a peaceful society with social programs in the future even though we have had losses will make the world safer for all women and school girls, who would be left for slaughter if we pulled out. I am happy that America is standing up for all women regardless of color or faith.

When faced with survival, you do what is necessary.  In certain areas in Iraq women must cover themselves in public in order to survive and be safe. They have the choice of playing it safe or being slaughtered.  To me its a no brainer.

What a wonderful religion.

It’s a sad fact that one part of humanity is being killed for just being women. Women have contributed so much to humanity. There is not one man alive who could compare to the design and beauty of women. Just imagine humanity with out a softer gentle side. When will these religious fanatics realize, that a world without women would be a terrible nightmare for humanity?

Frankly I think any religion who requires women of any age to wear a veil should make their men wear one also. Why should the rest of the world put up with small minded men who are uglier then their women.Any religion that is one sided because one sex, should wear something the other side refuses to do, is not only backwards and out of date with those of us who treat all women with respect regurdless of what religion or age group they may or may not be.Maybe what is needed is a religion that is controlled by women and not by men, then we can really watch the fur fly for a change.

I find your story here contradictory. You say you wouldn't change your life to appease the militia. Yet you admit to donning the gown and veil over your clothes because not doing so would be a 'death sentence', and embarrass your relative. Figure this out?

Do you only print comments that you agree with? Do you not print comments that are realistic of the situation but not 'politically correct'? I enterd a comment yesterday, but this site still lists 'no comments'. I guess it just goes to show you will only 'approve' comments that you agree with.

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