"I spent time in Kabul and in other muslim cities and countries (although not as much as you) and I don't care for niqabs at all. That's different from using the power of the state to prohibit it."
I think you need to expand on why you dislike niqabs.  Do you believe that they force women into a subservient role?
If that is the case, how could you not believe that the state has a duty to intercede?