Democracy: Wish of people or Western culture?

 

         Critic fear the provision could be used by religious hard-liners to impose strict Islamic laws, such as banning alcohol, restricting women’s rights and imposing harsh Koranic punishments such as stoning1

         While Iraq’s charter does not envision installing a “supreme leader” like Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, different interpretations are already emerging about certain provisions. For example, what are the “undisputed rules” of Islam? What constitutes “contradicting?” Since alcohol is shunned by the Koran, should Iraq become a dry nation? Are women required to cover their heads?

 

                                                                                 Draft Charter raises concerns

                                                                                 By Edmond Sanders

                                                                                 Chicago Tribune, Section 1, page 6

                                                                                 Thursday August 25, 2005.

 

1 The writer shows his ignorance of Qur’anic laws. There is no such punishment in the Qur’an. (Editor)