During the revolution, of course, there was so much violence that everyone's human rights were violated, women's not least of all. The situation has not completely improved yet. But the problem in Iran today is more a case of human rights in general, not specifically oppression of women. They have demonstrated that the wearing of the chador or kerchief is no obstacle to this achievement. I realize this may offend some hardline ideologues who insist that America is nothing but the Great Satan, the mortal enemy of Islam, but I say wake up.
Real life is more complex than that.
Here there are plenty of open spaces where Muslims feel free to live joyfully as Muslims without having to compromise on their identity or apologize for it, and they are the ones who are helping other Americans to see and understand Islam as a lived reality. For everyone who condemns America for being un-Islamic, there are lots more Muslims here who are taking advantage of all the opportunities for building a vibrant Islamic life. I have always been a strong advocate of traditional Islam, and anti-modern. Without that foundation nothing can have any place in Islam. It is one of the most intelligent statements on the subject I have ever seen.