Really? Two occasions on which the medieval Muslim populace accepted a woman ruler? Are these semi-mythological tales surrounding the immediate companions of Mohammed or are they historically documented rulers who actually took power and held it?

I am well aware of all of the apologetics surrounding female genital mutilation, but the fact remains that it is practiced overwhelmingly in Islamic countries and perpetuated by them. In this, as in all else, Islam has bloody borders.

I'm glad you're enjoying Massie's book. Note that in Russia he is talking only about the actual members of the royal family, who could only be married to kings from other countries. It's an extremely small subset of women. We're talking about 5-10 women at any one time at the most.