Establishing a secular Iraq

Washington Times ^ | Thursday, October 16, 2003 | Joel Mowbray

[JohnHuang2]

As the new post-Saddam Iraqi government takes shape, there is growing agreement among many in the administration that the country is likely to become officially an Islamic republic when the new constitution is drafted in coming months, according to informed sources in Iraq and several administration officials.

[JohnHuang2]

Thursday, October 16, 2003

Quote of the Day by Southack

[dk/coro]

John, One of the problems is that few of the State or DOD careerists have a clue as to the historical aspects of the Islamic civilization and culture...very similar to the vacuum, or paucity of knowledge of the South-East Asian cuture and historical perspectives in the '60's. (I was there; and can attest to that shortcoming).

I have spent the last few years hard at work on this subject...and have yet barely scratched the surface. I venture to state that few of these foggy-bottom types ever even heard of Lewis, Huntington or Kaplan...not to mention Gibbons. Pipes, perhaps...but questionable.

IMO, we are in for a protracted struggle that will last decades...and our populace doesn't have a clue as to the cost in terms of national treasure that will be demanded -- and expended. National education on the subject is essential, in my view.

We are in for a real ride !! Saddle up, America !!!

Kindest regards. DKP

[John O]

Didn't McArthur write the Japanese constitution? That seems to have worked pretty well. Why don't we just do the same.

Iraq should not be a secular democracy. It should be a Christian Republic. If we leave it islamic we'll just have to go back in in twenty to thirty years and do it over. Islam is the enemy

[DoctorMichael]

Pragmatically pessimistic article.

The EU's 'pushing' to have the Iraqis take control over their country in 6 months is not helping matters either. Nevermind, general instability after a war and 30 years of tyrannical rule; the rise of Shiite Mullahs pushing for an Islamist state can only lead to trouble in the long term, unless they get a handle on the situation.