Islam, The Veil, & Tolerance

I know that sometimes I spend a little too much time harping on the problem children and misfits of Islam. Usually I do this in the context of discussing Israel or one of the theothugocracies of the Islamic world - Iran and Saudi Arabia are generally the two main targets.

But in doing so, I always try to bear in mind that there is a reasonable and rational segment of Islam that doesn't want to blow people up, drive the into the sea, decapitate them, push tall walls on them, or throw rocks at them until they die. I know that I can make the distinction within myself mentally, but sometimes it is nice to see an actual affirmation of the tolerance, understanding, and logic emanating from the Islamic world.

As I'm reading along today, I came across an article from Islamicity.com which discusses the role of the veil in Islamic society and deplores the fact that many nations are outlawing it. But unlike many articles of a similar vein, this one does not go into abject whining and complaining that many of others do. This article actually makes a reasoned and reasonable argument for allowing the veils. I don't necessarily agree with the position, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is a well-constructed argument.

I also found some of the insights in the article to be very observant. I was particularly interested in the observation about secularism in France vs. the religious foundations of the US and UK and how those two competing philosphies seem to play into the degree of tolerance shown towards the Muslims in the repective countries.

Too often, we look only at the evil side of Islam. This an example of the flip side of the situation. It's refreshing to remember that there are good people out there.