.Outside view: Iraq constitution not so bad
"HERZLIYA, Israel (UPI) -- Several heated controversies have erupted over Iraq`s new draft constitution and they are worth exploring in detail. After all, the outcome may determine both the fate of the great U.S. experiment in promoting democracy in the region as well as the direction of a country that has considerable strategic importance.But there is a specified sharia expert, yet no democracy expert. Where's the balance
The most intense debates have broken out over the extent of Islam`s role in the new system, if decentralization would endanger the survival of the unified state, and whether the Sunni Muslim Arabs are left with too little power.
Given the situation, the provisions regarding Islam are not as bad as some are suggesting. The general Islamist position is that Islam should be the main (or only) source of law. Under Iraq`s constitution it is 'a main source,' which is certainly not secular but is a formula accepted by many Arab moderates elsewhere.
Other provisions are a balance. Laws cannot contradict Islamic standards but they also cannot be in conflict with democratic standards or with the rights and freedoms promised in the constitution. Iraq`s people are defined as having an Islamic identity but all religions are promised full freedom.
All these definitions are going to be left to elected governments and it is the outcome of elections which will determine precisely where the lines are drawn. But it is hard to see how things could have come out differently given the viewpoints and forces in Iraq today."
M&C.com
posted by madtom at 2:53 PM
1 Comments:
"There is also a fascinating hint which may just be a rhetorical flourish or could be of great future significance: 'Iraqis are free to abide in their personal lives according to their religion, sects, beliefs or choice. This should be organized by law.'"
Who are these people. Yes how fascinating, this charter says right there that you have to register your choice of religion.
"organized by law" How are they going to organize your religion if your not registered.
Will there be a box named atheist, and what effect will having marked that box have on the rest of your life, all two minuets of it.
Maybe we could make it easy, to organize, and just have everyone wear a tag like they did in nazi germany.
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