Sam: No I don't get my ideas on Muslims from TV, or the Internet. I've been there, I've dealt with them on a daily basis. They have tried to convert me. I've had many long talks with Muslims on religion. What I talk about is from first hand experience.
Lost many Kurdish friends, seen men, women, and children (Yes babies) slaughtered. Seen the aftermath of their handiwork, where a bunch of good U.S. Marines died. I've sent my share of them to meet Allah. Cost me dearly, but I'm still breathing, more than can be said for them.
As others have said, and I personally believe. Religion was developed by man, to control man. All societies are based on one type of religion or another. It is needed so man can police himself, and conform to the mores of that society. Religion is both good and bad.
Islam is a very male dominated society. While there is very strict rules, there is also exceptions. These exceptions only apply to men. Rape is one of the areas where there is exceptions for men. Man should not rape women, but if he does the woman must have done something to cause him to rape her, therefore it is her fault and she must be beheaded. Men can not have sex with pre puberty girls, but if he does, he must take her as a concubine. He may never marry her, but must keep her. (Unless he can trade his her off to another man). To every rule there is an exception for men that break that rule. There are no exceptions for women. Also a woman is worth 1/10th of a man. That is the value placed on a woman by the Quran, it's there, I read it, but don't ask me where in the Quran. That is one of the hardest books I have ever tried to read. It jumps around and is not in any type of order.