There's not much difference between a burkha and a shroud.

Former Middle East specialist for the CIA, Reuel Marc Gerecht, appeared on Meet the Press this morning. It was nice to see Mr. Gerecht up and around after waking from his 100 year nap:

I mean, one hopes that the Iraqis protect women's social rights as much as possible. It certainly seems clear that in protecting the political rights, there's no discussion of women not having the right to vote. I think it's important to remember that in the year 1900, for example, in the United States, it was a democracy then. In 1900, women did not have the right to vote. If Iraqis could develop a democracy that resembled America in the 1900s, I think we'd all be thrilled. I mean, women's social rights are not critical to the evolution of democracy. We hope they're there. I think they will be there. But I think we need to put this into perspective.

I’m not sure how “thrilled” the families of these women would be, knowing that their daughters and mothers and sisters died for a concept that’s “not critical to the evolution of democracy.”

Pamela G. Osborne, 28, 10/11/04
Cari Anne Gasewiec, 24, 12/04/06
Tina Safeira Time, 22, 12/13/2004
Barbara Heald, 60, 01/29/2005
Jessica M. Housby, 23, 02/09/2005
Katrina Lani Bell-Johnson, 32, 02/16/2005
Lizbeth Robles, 31, 03/01/2005
Adriana N. Salem, 21, 03/04/2005
Aleina Ramirezgonzalez, 33, 04/15/2005
Sam W Huff, 18, 04/18/2005
Linda J. Villar, 41, 06/03/2005
Carrie L French, 19, 06/05/2005
Holly A Charette, 21, 6/23/2005
Ramona M.Valdez, 20, 6/23/2005
Regina R. Clark, 43, 6/23/2005
Tricia L. Jameson, 34, 7/14/2005
Lavena L Johnson, 19, 07/19/2005
Toccara R. Green, 23, 08/14/2005