Politics of De-veiling
Whoever thinks the article was motivated by a religious zeal has got it wrong. I do not subscribe to any religion but I think to understand the Other you have to be able to empathise with them. Mocking, debasing and dehumanising cultural practices and identity expressions we happen to dislike does not help foster harmony and mutual understanding. Additionally, those who consider western liberalism to be the final word in human wisdom--something we should all unquestioningly assimilate into- sound no less doctriniare than religious fanatics. Nonetheless, I thank everone who has contributed to the debate. Have learnt from you all.

On the specific issue of veiling I think it is important not to lose sight of the difference between saying A) That veiling is not a sign of subjugation B) That it is not necessarily a sign of subjugation. It is the plausibility of the latter proposition that I have tried to point out. If we hold that the majority in France have a (moral) right to ban a minority practice that they do not approve of then we would probably have to accept also that Islamist regimes have a (moral) right to ban forms of dress and ways of life that are inimical to their values. In both cases, the offical decree would run contrary to the principle of individual autonomy and freedom. The reference I have made to the harm principle in the article was meant to draw attention to the fact that it is not each and every minority practice that I would consider worthy of protection-at least not the ones which clearly bring physical or psychological harm to the individual. However, in many cases both Muslims and non-Muslims can easily stretch the limits of their toleration.

Thinking of Home I thank you all for appreciating the poem. Shehla: No, I do not write in Urdu but I`ve been influenced by Urdu poetry and I think the sensibiliy of Ghazal gets reflected in my work. Although I think poetic imagery is always universal and has little to do with a particular language, you are right in that I think in Urdu even as I write in English. Thanks for your perceptive observation.