Islam and Feminism

Is the concept of Islamic Feminism an oxymoron? 

How can Muslim women support a religion that seems to leave no room for female leadership?  Appearances are apparently deceiving, as Muslim women are emerging more and more--perhaps in response to the Arab Spring--as political and religious leaders, while remaining faithful to their religion.  It brings to mind the Palin-style of feminism that seemed at odds with feminism's liberal underpinnings and yet which seemed at the same time to embody it's fundamental objectives. 

So maybe a conundrum instead of an oxymoron.

Peaceful Pakistanis

The Pakistani Minister for Foreign Affairs is 34-year old Hina Rabbani Khar, a mother of two and the youngest and first female foreign minister of her country.  In her free time she is also an entrepreneur, with co-ownership of a polo lounge—not surprising since she received her MS in Hospitality Management from UMass in Amherst.  What remains to be seen is how well a degree in hospitality translates to a friendlier Pakistan.