Since the September 11 attacks by Islamic extremists on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a camp in Pennsylvania, Islamic culture has come under scrutiny from Americans more than in any other period in the history of the ancient religion. An area often criticized by the mainstream American media is the role of women in Islamic culture; It is almost common knowledge by now that Islam subjugates women to a degree not seen since the Middle Ages, and is backward in all aspects of gender relations. Like many stereotypes, this one is exaggerated, exaggerated and often completely incorrect. Women have been a key part of Islamic culture since the founding of the Muslim faith. Women have had enormous influence in all areas of Islamic culture, including education, politics, economic concerns, and religious interpretation; Looking at each of these four areas, it is clear that women have tremendous opportunities within mainstream Islam. Of course, some hard-line regimes like the one currently holding power in Iran will always oppress women, as well as gays and other minorities. It is important not to focus on the few areas where Islamic culture is practiced and women are subjugated, but to look at the broader Islamic culture, where women are a fundamental component. After being seared into the American consciousness by the September 11 attacks, Islamic culture and Afghanistan became synonymous in the minds of most American citizens. The active attempts to prevent women from receiving an education in that nation were all too real and very tragic. However, in many other Islamic cultures, women have a significant and positive influence on the education system, both today and in the past. The result... middle of paper...... He claims that one of the most popular religions, Catholicism, still does not allow women to hold the position of priest. Some issues will take many centuries to change and, just as in Catholicism, this Islamic barrier will take time to break down. In conclusion, the body of evidence suggests that fears regarding the limitations imposed on women by Islamic culture are exaggerated in most areas. Women have reached the highest political offices, the most influential jobs in business, and have obtained teaching positions at prestigious universities in almost every country with a significant Islamic culture. Some of the more tolerant cultures have even begun to allow female imams to lead prayer and teach other Muslims. Although Islamic culture has much work to do regarding the status of women, it must be recognized that much of the criticism is unjustified..