Check!

The hijab and the chess tournament.

Apparently, the competitors are being told that they must wear the hijab as that is what Iranian law demands and they must respect cultural differences. Thing is… this cultural differences thing works in one direction only. I’m relaxed about their gaff their rules and when in Rome do as the Romans do, but this is Islam we are talking about, so when in Tehran, do as the Iranians do and when elsewhere we must respect cultural differences – except ours of course.

So, on balance, I’m with those who want to boycott it. If I was a woman and any good at chess (I’m crap, so not an issue) then I would tell them to take a hike as well. The hijab is a vile expression of all that is evil about Islam and we should condemn it unreservedly. When the Islamic world respects our culture and values, maybe we can extend the courtesy. It’ll be a cold day in hell, mind…