Just to way in here. The 'Religion' being referred to here is Islam. The religion isn't condoning or punishing the woman. It is the ignorant people 'elders' or 'men'' in most cases that impose their own rules. No religion condones or promotes anything of the sort. Religion is about spirituality and having a connection to God. All religions including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddism, Hinduism and others, promote using the intellect, reflection, and the law of common good for humanity. When self interests are incorporated for personal gains thats when things go wrong, especially when it is done in the name of Religion.
In addition, being a Muslim, a somewhat practicing one, familiar with most of the edicts of the religion of Islam, one finds that the 'Islamic Countries' are the furthest in values and ethics in certain areas than there Western Counterparts. Do you really think a God sent religion would prevent women from driving? owning property? In fact our religion says whats theres is theres don't touch it without her permission. Yeah I'm defending my religion, but at the same time saying that logic works.
I mean I can't blame the Bible, or the Catholic Church, or the Pope for all the little boys that were abused. I have to blame the sick men behind it that abused there position of authority, and misunderstood there scripture and never married or sought means of fulfilling there sexual desires in a lawful and respectful manner.
With regards to the Killing the infidels, Bin Ladens, Al-Qaeda's, etc. Who do you think created them? Financed them? offered them big money to overthrow there governments? That's right the great US of A. Who knows if Bin Laden is dead or alive. Right now he's keeping the US wartime budget happy. If there's a war there's gonna be money for grabs. If Bin Laden gets caught, we gotta find someone else. Just like Sadam, he's gone, he was the US of A's best friend at one time. Now they go after North Korea and Iran.
Poor Canada were suffering because there US dollar is low and no one is buying our products anymore.