RHMD

I just want to say that I am a big fan of your books Zealot and No God but God. I really enjoyed your commentary on interpretation of hadith and the history of women in Islam. I wish I had a chance to read them again before this AMA but I just found out you were doing it. Here are a couple of questions off the top of my head.

1. In No God but God you defend Muhammad (pbuh) for marrying a 9 year old because he was only betrothed to her at that age and because it was common among people of all religions at that time. Do you think it was morally okay that they consummated after puberty, as that is still a very early age?

2. If the hadith have been modified and created over time then how do we know that the Quran hasn’t? And why do Muslims take them so seriously if the hadith have such a questionable history? Many Muslims would say you aren't a Muslim if you question the hadith.

My friends and I always debate the viewpoint of Western media on the happenings in Syria. With all the disturbing headlines and footage I feel like Syria is in chaos and its people in turmoil. In your opinion, are the majority of Syrian people happy? Do they consider Assad to be a good ruler?