The tolerance of Islam

An Afghan man is awaiting sentencing for the unforgivable crime of converting to Christianity. He is expecting to receive the death sentence by the Kabul court.

And no, this is not a joke.

The prosecutor, Abdul Wasi, said he had offered to drop the charges if Rahman converted back to Islam, but he refused.

"He would have been forgiven if he changed back. But he said he was a Christian and would always remain one," Wasi told AP. "We are Muslims and becoming a Christian is against our laws. He must get the death penalty."

And in the muslim nation of Pakistan, it's no better to be a woman.

"Honor killings" are committed for the crimes of women choosing their own husbands, seeking divorce, or being raped. Yes, being raped is considered a crime for the victim since women are allowed essentially no rights in muslim nations.

But what happens to the killers, you ask. Oh, they have to appear before a court and pay a fine. About the same as getting a speeding ticket in America.

UPDATE: Here is a heartbreaking story about an Afghan girl who was married at the age of 4 and suffered daily beatings by her father-in-law. The good news is that she escaped and is now learning that staying alive doesn't require having bones broken on a regular basis. The bad news is that there are thousands more of these girls in muslim countries.