Identity

Asslam,
This is My first post to this forum after a long time, I see lots of INTERNET scholars participate into this forum which is great. I have a couple of questions;
My questions based on the facts:
1 We saw some Iraqi men dressed like women in Iraq to escape death during the Gulf war.
2 These days some women have decided to not to wear Islamic look like dress such as hijab until this chaos type situation goes away.
3 Some “Bin Talibs” have been converted to “BEn”.
4 Some Great Mujahid’s are swearing to the NON-Muslims that they are very much faithful to them and have nothing to do with any of the hard liners.
With the Islamic Point of View ONLY:
Is it permissible for a common person in Islam to hide identity to escape the difficult time of life?
Can a person run away from any grim by changing their look?
Thanks

[This message has been edited by Qaasim (edited January 07, 2002).]