Article

2003-09-28 Afghanistan

Afghan Constitution Proposes Muslim State

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Posted by Steve White 2003-09-28 3:52:23 PM|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [11142 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I disagree Steve. I'm pretty pragmatic about what comes out of the loya jurga.

If a bunch of muslims want to form an Islamic state they are free to form such a state. A moderate Islamic state where people aren't being executed is a step up. Especially one that includes centralized authority.

Several cracks at a non-Islamic centralized authorized have been tried in Afganistan even prior to teh Communist government that the Soviets installed. None of theose governments held much power beyond Kabul for any longer than a couple of years.

Let's set the bar low in Afghanistan (but higher in the secular society of Iraq.) Here are some goals:
1. No starvation.
2. Elimination of opium as a cash crop for the government.
3. No heavy or crew supplied weapons not owned by the central government.
4. No welcome mats for terrorists.
5. Education for women that want education.
6. Elimination of tribal excesses like honor and dowry killing over time.

Let's make that the base and try to encourage Afgahnistan to progress byond that slowly. The proverbial GREAT LEAP FORWARD always ends up in disaster.

Posted by Super Hose 2003-9-28 9:08:29 PM|| 2003-9-28 9:08:29 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 Appreciate your comments, SH, but I'm with Fred on the freedom of religion thing. To quote that great American philosopher, Tom Clancy: "any person who can't respect another person's religion is a barbarian."

I understand we're not going to get a liberal democratic state (note the small 'l' and small 'd') in Afghanland any time soon, but F of R is not negotiable. If you don't have it, we can't be friends with you.

Posted by Steve White 2003-9-28 10:40:32 PM|| 2003-9-28 10:40:32 PM|| Front Page Top

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