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Aug. 22, 2005 After all we wrote the Japanese constitution after world war two, and it turned out pretty well. Now, I am not really being serious when I say we should right the Iraqi constitution. That is something they need to do. But we should let our thoughts on the subject be known. As of yet no constitution has been agreed to, that could change today. Perhap the Shiites will ram a constitution through the assembly. Perhaps not. Who knows? But we should pay attention to what they put in the constitution. The shiites, well the islamists, want a constitutional role for their clergy, for all intents and purposes to make their version of Islam the state religion. This would be as if someone demanded the Catholic clergy in this country be given special recognition. We would rightly be in arms over such a proposal and it is no wonder to see the Sunni Arabs, and the Kurds(also sunnis) to be less than enthusiastic over the idea. A constitution that gives Islam a large role is not a good idea, for us or for the Iraqis. No islamic state has been a success. Sharia courts, Islam as the sole role of legislation, treatment of miorities that is medieval all of this comes with a political role for Islam. The problem is that Islam, unlike Christianity, is political as well as moral. The problem is that if an islamist constitution is ratified Iraq, and the U.S. will be planting the seeds for a failed state. Half the population (women) will remain property and as a result Iraq will go nowhere if half the population is held back. Iraqs religious minorities will also be second class citizens. Allowed to worship, but without freedom of religion. Their rights to worship would be under restriction by Islamic law. It would be an Irony if the sunni arabs killed such a constitution, and saved Iraq from becoming Irans sister nation. A constitution is a good thing, but it must be done right rather than done fast. More important than the correct wording is the governments willingness to follow a constitution. Many nations have constitutions that sound good on paper but are largely ignored by government. So our problem is two fold. To make sure a real constitution, built on the rule of law, not the rule of Islam is ratified and to make sure that it is followed. If an Islamist constitution is passed by the assembly the people would be right to vote it down. No matter how embarrasing it is to the president. We didn't topple one dictatorship just to have another grow in its place. That being said it would be unrealistic of us to expect an Iraqi democracy to look like ours. But it's not to much to ask that human rights, womens rights, and civil liberties be respected. Anything less and it is no good for Iraq. ------------ About the author: Craig Chamberlain has written more than 100 articles for Useless-Knowledge.com. Email: craig_chamberlain@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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