Afghans opt for Islamic Government

[richardm]

The Afghans have decided decided on their new constitution (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3236389.stm) - and it's weighted towards the religious:

The commission said:
The draft is based on Islamic principles and recognises that no law can be contrary to the sacred religion of Islam

After the last government Afghanistan had that was based on Islamic principles, should we be worried about this?

[Tony]

It calls for the creation of an Islamic republic, with a presidential system, and where citizens have equal rights.


I'll believe it when women aren't being forced to cover their whole bodies in bed sheet.

[Tmy]

Well we wanted them to be "free" to choose for themsleves. If they choose a monarchy who are we to tell them no. Its a catch 22.

Do you think Iraq will be any different.

[Ziggurat]

Originally posted by Tmy

Do you think Iraq will be any different.

Yes, I do think Iraq will be different. The number one reason being that education levels in Iraq are leagues ahead of Afghanistan. The clerics in Iraq bleating about making an Islamic government do not speak for the majority of Iraqis.

[Mycroft]

What can you do? For democracy to work, the people need to want democracy. If they want freedom they have to be willing to extend that freedom to people that don't agree with them.

Democracy and freedom are more cultural values than the result of any laws. If a culture doesn't support these values, then you can't impose them and make it work.