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Constitution process risks a civil war (More Doom and Gloom)
Newsday ^ | 26 August 2005 | David L. Phillips

Posted on 08/26/2005 6:37:40 PM PDT by Lando Lincoln

President George W. Bush called the drafting of Iraq's constitution an "amazing event." But instead of fostering consensus, the process has actually increased chances for civil war.

The constitution pits Islamists against secularists, Shia against Sunnis, Arabs against Kurds, and women against men. The "new Iraq" is a far cry from what President Bush had in mind when he promised freedom to the Iraqi people.

In 2003, the United States thought it could simply decapitate Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime and easily establish a liberal democracy in the heart of the Arab world. Since then, the Bush administration has continually lowered expectations. Today it is embracing a constitution that lays the groundwork for theocratic rule. The constitution also is undemocratic and out of step with human rights norms.

For example, the constitution enshrines Islam as the official religion of Iraq; establishes Shari'a, or Islamic law, as "a primary source of legislation"; and affirms that no law shall contradict the "basic beliefs of Islam." The constitution also mandates clerics serve on Iraq's Supreme Federal Court and gives judges the right to ban laws that contradict Islamic tenets.

(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Editorial; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: iraqconstitution
Oh, the risks!!! My latte might get cold!!

Lando

1 posted on 08/26/2005 6:37:49 PM PDT by Lando Lincoln
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To: Lando Lincoln
Well duh! Ours did too...with England.

In this case, we took care of the England part in advance and now there are just a few left-over Iraqi-torries to deal with.

2 posted on 08/26/2005 6:44:09 PM PDT by Jeff Head (www.dragonsfuryseries.com)
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To: Lando Lincoln
Hey, our Constitution as adopted was far from perfect. Some of the compromises in it had to be remedied later- by bloodshed.
It, too, nearly started a civil war- Shay's Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion come to mind. It took George Washington commanding Federal troops to maintain order. While I oppose that kind of government on principle, I understand it's necessity.
Quite frankly I'll be happy if the Iraqis establish democracy- then whatever stupid laws they choose to live under are their business. Democracy implies the right to be wrong.
3 posted on 08/26/2005 6:52:06 PM PDT by Ostlandr (NeopaganNeocon)
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To: Lando Lincoln
Its funny how liberals bad mouth Islam. I thought they adored the Religion Of Peace. TM. Oh well.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
4 posted on 08/26/2005 7:02:02 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
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To: Lando Lincoln
Didn't read the post; don't need to. If the Sunni's will not come to the table with their hats in their hands as all minority's unfortunately must do in order to continue to survive. Then Civil war is inevitable and Their a**'s will be handed to them. The transition from being a ruling party to acting in your own best interest as a minority is very, very difficult. You don't have to take my word for it ask Ted the swimmer Kennedy or Chris Dodds or The grand Cyclops himself, it's damn ruff stuff.
5 posted on 08/26/2005 7:48:15 PM PDT by kublia khan (absolute war brings total victory)
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To: kublia khan

The "insurgents" (read terrorists) that the left support risk civil war, in fact that's their goal, but that doesn't stop the moonbat's in the Democrat party from supporting them, so why wouldn't they support this constitution?
Could it be that this constitution is the best hope there is to PREVENT a civil war, and that Democrats are only hoping it fails? they wish it fails because they hate when a Bush initiative bears fruit, like the Afghanistan elections?

What is their alternative suggestion? To pull out and ensure civil war? I'd really like an answer to that.
Democrats haven't a plan for anything, they are just hatefull.


6 posted on 08/26/2005 8:48:58 PM PDT by Nathan Zachary
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To: goldstategop
"Its funny how liberals bad mouth Islam. I thought they adored the Religion Of Peace™. Oh well.

If you want to do this ™ thing, just hold "alt" and use the numerical pad and type 0153™

7 posted on 08/26/2005 8:54:23 PM PDT by Nathan Zachary
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To: Nathan Zachary
Thanks for the tip! I didn't know there was just a nifty shortcut in Windows!

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
8 posted on 08/26/2005 8:58:42 PM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
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