Some Iraqis Seek Constitutional Amendments

"BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Many ordinary Iraqis voted to ratify their new constitution without knowing much about what was in it.

"I didn't read it. Friends told me it was good," said Mohammed Hashim, a 26-year-old Shiite cook, who voted "yes" in the Oct. 15 referendum.

Many still don't. But some of those who do are calling for amendments to some of its vague and controversial provisions. The issue will be key in coming months as Iraq struggles to forge national unity and keep itself from falling into civil war.

Under a deal to win Sunni Arab support for the constitution, parliament must consider amendments in its first four months. If legislators approve the changes, they will be sent to voters in a new referendum.

The main issues of contention, as the fight looms are:

- The influence of religion on daily life. One clause prohibits any law that "contradicts the established provisions of Islam," raising concerns about whether Iraq will become a Muslim theocracy like neighboring Iran.

- The constitution divides the country along ethnic and religious lines into three largely self-governing regions. Some see this as the best way to protect the interests of each group, but others worry it is a formula for civil war.

- Because each region will control future oil discoveries in its own area, the Sunni minority, which lives in the oil-poor center, may not benefit equally from the riches.

- The constitution does little to protect women's or human rights.

- And many of the constitution's provisions are unclear or contradictory, raising doubts that it can serve as a set of rules for self-government."
MyWay