Interesting and somewhat encouraging broadcast from tonights "The Spirit of Things" on ABC National:

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/spiritofthings/stories/2008/2186299.htm

"Riaz Hassan has surveyed seven Muslim-majority countries on many issues including honour killing, blasphemy and jihad. He believes major changes in the Muslim world can only occur with intellectual commitment and activism. Edip Yuksel is a self-described progressive activist and founder of the Islamic Reform organisation, which promotes a modern and feminist reading of the Qur'an, as well as the rejection of much that Muslims regard as sacred."

Things will have to change in the world of Islam, and I think the key will be education. In my experience, there is a direct correlation between tolerance and (secular) education level.

I think a bit of feminism would do great things for the middle east. I consider it a failure of western feminists that they have sought to tie up all the 'loose ends' with western feminism before helping out foreign women. Even in Iraq and Afghanistan the plight of women is being largely ignored. I guess there is only so much you can do as an occupying force.

Musician - Gidday, I missed that radio show, but do love my ABC radio.
yep, education is a precursor for most advancements, freedom of expressions, tolerance.


freediver - the females make up 50% of most populations, so must be very influential.