totally agree with hamlet ..for some its culture but its pre dominantly for religious purposes...and those who take it off in Europe or elsewhere are cleary not wearing it for religious purposes.

Also i agree hamlet..what is the big fuss about hijab and the obsession. I mean nuns wear it all the time for religious reasons and its is respected that they devote themselves to god..but as soon as a muslim woman wears it some people say its a woman being oppressed...What is the difference between a nun and a muslim hijab wearing woman? Both are devoted to their god. I know some muslim woman are forced by their husbands,culture but even if u wear it for the sake of god..some people will not beleive that you are not being oppressed? Whilst with a nun it is never questioned?
I'm with u Hamlet..Live and let live...