Tracy,

>SNIP
>>Ok.. Name me one Islamic state that has ever raised it's prople's lives to at least a post 1600 level. They all seem to want to take everyone back, not forward. Look at their poverty. Look at the arab states that are 100% Islamic or arabic. No one they can blame for their failure to 'lift' their people. Not Israel. Not the USA or anyone else. Look at Saudi Arabia for goodness sakes. More money than they know what to do with and what do you gat? Take off your burkah and get beaten in the steets with a rubber truncheon. Yessiree, that's real progress...
>SNIP
>
>The UAE
>
>*The UAE Constitution ensures women’s equality with men and protects their rights in accordance with the rights and privileges laid down in Islam. They enjoy the same legal status, title claims, access to education, the right to a profession of their choice, health and family welfare facilities and rights with regard to the inheritance of property are also guaranteed.*
>
>(It's a start)

Interesting. I didn't know that. Are they a strict Islamic state. If so, do you know what branch?

Also, is the constitution followed? China and Russia's constitutions 'guarantee' human rights but in practice...

Thanks!