Afghan Islam Debate Muted But Concessions a Concern

[IndianaGreen]

Looks like the same lunatics that ran the asylum during the Taliban, are back in control again, this time with American blessings.

Afghan Islam Debate Muted But Concessions a Concern
Sat December 27, 2003 08:17 PM ET

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By Mike Collett-White

KABUL (Reuters) - The sensitive issue of Islam, and strict sharia law imposed by the ousted Taliban, has barely surfaced during two weeks of debate over Afghanistan's constitution that is reaching its closing stages.

But as the interim leader bids to win delegates over to his vision of a strong presidential system that will weaken opponents, observers are wondering what concessions his supporters have had to make, including in the area of religion.

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The Supreme Court is run by conservative Islamists who this year arrested journalists for offending Islam and closed down their publication, called for the trial of members of the former communist regime and tried to ban cable television in Kabul.

Their view of Islam and Afghanistan's future is radically different from that of the moderate Karzai, widely tipped to win next year's presidential elections if he runs as expected.

REUTERS