Paul Bremer, Iraq's U.S. administrator, is hinting that he would block any move by Iraqi leaders to make Islamic law the basis of an interim constitution:
Bremer was asked what would happen if Iraqi leaders wrote into the interim charter that Islamic sharia law is the principal basis of legislation. "Our position is clear," Bremer replied. "It can't be law until I sign it."
I’m opposed to theocratic governments of any form, whether Islamic, Jewish, or Christian, so I’m encouraged by Bremer’s stance. Changing from a secular government to one influenced by Islamic law would cause Iraqi women the loss of many of the rights they’ve come to expect and would limit their influence in the budding democracy. In the long term, the equality of women will have a more stabilizing effect on the region than will Sharia law. Besides, we should be encouraging the expansion of human rights rather than allowing them to be repealed.
Too bad we didn’t put Bremer in charge of Afghanistan.
(Hat tip: Stephen from Christweb who completely disagrees with me on this issue.)
1
I dont' completely disagree, I just question the rather arrogant we he phrased his answer and the concept that even though we promised to give them their country and allow them to choose their government, we now are telling them that we will only allow a form of government that we approve.
I wholeheartedly agree that we should not simply rubber stamp them lowering or in some cases removing the rights of women in the country. But we should instead show them the benefits of equal rights, not simply force their hand. If we show them the positive effects of promoting equal rights, then we help ensure that those rights will continue for years to come and not be removed in subsequent administrations or by leaders that are more fundamentalist in their viewpoints.
We need to change the opinions of the country, not just dictate policy to them. Only then can we seek to truly convert them to a democracy based on equality for all.
posted on 02.17.2004 9:08 AM2
Joe:
Cut it out right now. We've been agreeing on way too much stuff lately, and frankly, it's scaring me. :)
posted on 02.17.2004 10:11 AM3
We've been agreeing on way too much stuff lately, and frankly, it's scaring me. :)
I've got a post coming after lunch where I "reach out" to the homosexual community. After that, though, I'll quit all this mushy-liberal stuff and get back to my toe-headed conservatism.
posted on 02.17.2004 11:07 AM4
Oh boy, Stephen just went soft on islamic radicals and their misguided notions of democracy, and now Joe is going to "reach out" to the gay community. I just can't wait!
:P
posted on 02.17.2004 11:12 AM