You have similar interpretation problems if you are a male.
> may be interpreted in different ways. In Iraq we see this firsthand
> because we have ample example of varying Islamic interpretations
> from two neighbors- Iran and Saudi Arabia. Who will decide which
> religious rules and principles are the ones that shouldn’t be
> contradicted by the constitution?
Shi'a is not specific to Iran and Sunna is not specific to Saudi Arabia. Besides there as "sub"-types in both. There is an excellent paper about that in July issue of Le Monde Diplomatique.
"Les chiites écartelés entre Téhéran et Bagdad, par Ahmed Salamatian. Carte de Philippe Rekacewicz."
"Iran and Iraq: the limits on Shia power * by Ahmad Salamatian The recent election of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president of Iran surprised the world. The victory of Ayatollah Sistani’s list in the Iraqi parliamentary election provoked fears of a Shia threat. The current debates within the Shia communities testify to great religious and political diversity."
http://mondediplo.com/2005/07/08shia (only on subscription but cached on Google)
> Article (12):
> The religious Marja’ia is respected for its spiritual role and it
> is a prominent religious symbol on the national and Islamic fronts;
> and the state cannot tamper with its private affairs.
Since it seems Iran has influenced a few people there, it happens that this article reflects the current theo-politics of Iran. See the link above.
JC Helary