One of the major issues with Muslim countries is the integration of religion with state. Someone once said to me that Saudi Arabia's the worst country to have a good night out in, because you can't drink and can't pick up any girls, because you have to play by their rules, Muslim or not. And the reason you can't pick up girls? Islam is ideally a religion that's protective towards women. In a way, it's sexist and oppressive, as it suggests that they're unable to be their own people without a man to lead them and that they aren't capable of doing many of the things men are. But in another way, it's also good to women, as it basically teaches of respect for them. The fundamental idea of the burqa is that it stops women being attractive to any random blokes in the street, which in a way gives women a hell of a lot more respect as people than the bullshyte they've got on them in the Bible. Traditional Buddhism is similar, as they're both about putting restrictions on women, but supposedly for their own good and to garner them respect. Sadly, it's a bit of an outdated approach now, and in feminist mode, I'd edge towards saying that the most familar forms of modern Islam aren't exactly keeping up with the idea of respect.
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