Sharia law in Iraq
Reader comment on item: Islamic Law Rules In Iraq

Submitted by Michael Elvin (United States), Mar 17, 2004 at 06:51

Daniel:

You pose two extremes in discussing the role of Islamic law. The first-- that we should not permit it-- kind of reveals the iron fist within the velvet glove. Maybe we should not embarrass ourselves by bringing up talk of democratic values, and just rule like the Roman legions.

The second, that we are not there to implement Iraqi freedom but rather to "implement our ambitious goals in the Middle East" seems a rather grudging way to condemn people to living under their own dictates. Inconvenient, when our vassals have minds of their own, but not a biggie, eh?

Fortunately the Iraqis have solved the dilemma for us. In balancing the wishes of the governing council with those of al-Sistani, the most influential legitimate leader they have, they've decided that sharia will be "one basis" for the Iraqi legal system-- not "the" basis.

Sounds democratic to me. They get a say in their own government!

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