Should Women Be Imams?

Within the world of Islam, this is probably the oldest debates, and also one of the most controversial. Andy G, over in the Muslim Christian friendship, is wondering Women can act as Imams.

Sameer and Sheri seem to be at odds with each other with Sameer saying:

There was only one Muslim Women who was asked to teach other Muslim women how to make Namaz(Prayer).

She also was instructed to stand in the same row as the other women praying during Namaz. This special instruction was given to avoid what misconception some people are now trying to spread that is "women are allowed to do the Imamat as per Islam".

While an Imam (Prayer Leader) is supposed to lead from front. No one stands in the same row as the Leader. Why was a women instructed by Prophet(PBUH) to pray while standing between them and not leading them like an Imam.

Sheri (on page three) disagrees and voices her opinion by saying:

sorry, but just because there is no example in islamic history of something, does not mean that it is not allowed or cannot be done

typical men making translations by themselves for themselves
this is not what i believe in

i dont believe in strict or orthodox islam, i am a flexible muslim
however that doesnt mean i'll go against islam's teachings or anything but i think that women have every right men have [...]

women have the right to lead namaz in my view and i'll support any movement trying to achieve that

This is not the first time this controversy has appeared, as ironically a women did lead prayer as an Imam although she was criticized for doing so from other Imams around the world.

I don't see the harm in it and it would be interesting to actually see one conducted by a woman as they generally have been neglected many of the rights of their male brethren.