Shiites Grill Bremer Over Shari’ah Veto Threat

[DuctapeFatwa]

Iraq 's Shiite leaders reacted angrily to top U.S. civilian administrator Paul Bremer's threat to wield his veto powers should the U.S.-appointed interim Governing Council choose Islam as the main basis for the country’s new temporary constitution...

"The Iraqi people only can veto the legislation and nobody has the right to interfere in our constitution," (Abdel Mahdi al-Karabali, who represents Shiite spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy Shiite city of Karbala, 110 kilometers south of Baghdad.) told Agence France-Presse (AFP) Tuesday, February 18.

"I think that if one seeks to impose a solution other than what the Iraqi population wants, it would spark a crisis and none of the parties want this to happen," Sheikh Sadreddin al-Kubbanji said....

Bremer said Monday, February 16, he will not allow Islam to be the main source of law in Iraq, warning that he could veto the country's temporary constitution if it did not fit the "American vision" of democracy. "Our position is clear, and the text that is in there now is as I say. It can't become law until I sign it," Washington’s strong man said during a visit to a women's center in Karbala. Bremer’s remarks were not the first indications of Washington’s opposition to an Islamic state in occupied Iraq. Last April, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld ruled out an Iran-style religious government in Iraq. U.S. Senators had also voiced misgivings about the possibility of setting up an Islamic regime in post-Saddam Iraq.

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2004-02/18/article01.shtml

[DarkPhenyx]

1. I am growing tired of saying this but....

...this really bodes not well. No, no, no, no,,no.

[bemildred]

2. Bremer needs to buy himself a clue.

And he doesn't have much time.
He is not going to be allowed to be the main source of law in Iraq.
He can deal with it now or he can get it shoved down his throat with
unpleasant vigor.

[Barrett808]

3. All falling apart. No plan, no clue. Insurgency wins by default. n/t

n/t

[truthspeaker]

4. I hate Sharia law but

Bremer and the US have no legal or moral right to tell the Iraqis how to govern themselves.

[barbaraann]

7. Well, one could take the stand that Sharia violates human rights.

However, what the actions of Bushco violate human rights even more, IMHO. What a mess!

[PsychoDad]

14. Islamic Law—the Sharia

Maybe Americans should understand what the Sharia is before condemming it.

"Avoid condemning the Muslim to Hudud whenever you can, and when you can find a way out for the Muslim then release him for it. If the Imam errs it is better that he errs in favor of innocence (pardon) than in favor of guilt (punishment)."
The words Muhammid (PBUH) Part of the Hadith upon which Sharia is based.

Firstly, There is no single school of Sharia. Islamic jurisprudence has developed over fourteen centuries. Over that span of time, various schools of jurisprudence have emerged, each with its own interpretation and application of the Sharia. Many schools splintered farther, creating schools following different interpretive approaches and applications.

Secondly, As with any legal based system, it can be used for good or abused, upon the practioners.

Fourteen centuries ago Islam was a spiritual, social, and legal revolution. Its potential for effecting progress remains unchanged. ... Islam at the height of its civilization, between the seventh and eleventh centuries, was neither repressive nor regressive. It was a progressive, humanistic, and legalistic force for reform and justice.
Perhaps we as "enlightened" people should be attempting to guide the Iraqi's toward the values of equality, justice and Human rights that are the true basis of Islam. Consider the revolution in the middle east we could effect with assisting in the creation of such a government, based upon It's Islamic history and culture while championing the Democratic rights of the individual. Values and concepts which were part of Muhammids vision, and very much part of the early Islamic nation.

Alas, what is wanted are none of these things. IMHO, what bushco wants is nothing more than a puppet government invested with the interests of american corporations.

Edited to add:
A muslim veiw on Sharia, It's history and potential, for those interested:

http://www2.ari.net/gckl/islam/law.htm

[leftchick]

5. "it would spark a crisis".....code for...

I have not unleashed my followers to strike back at the US occupiers yet, beware if you fuck with me! ..... This is NOT good!

[NeoConsSuck]

12. Yes, southern Iraq has been very quiet..

and so has northern Iraq (Kurds). Until their patience wears out.

And then the shit hits the fan..

[Aidoneus]

13. no, it hasn't really

it may not get as much press, but it is not "quiet" for the lackeys of the occupation down there.

[Cooley Hurd]

6. It may not resemble Vietnam YET...

...but when the Civil War starts (not "if," but "when"), we'll be treated to Vietnam-like images:

[Just Me]

8. See what arrogance gets ya',...conflict and enemies.

These arrogant asswipes are sure talented at creating anti-Americans!!! And they JUST DON'T GET IT!!! Actually, they just don't give a damn 'cause this whole thing is all about them!!!

[Athame]

9. But, wait! Is he saying....?

<he will not allow Islam to be the main source of law in Iraq, warning that he could veto the country's temporary constitution if it did not fit the "American vision" of democracy.>

Does this mean that the American vision of democracy is SECULAR? You mean religion is not the main source of law in America? Does Ashcroft know about this?

Or maybe he is saying that Iraq should have Christian based law. That should work. Right.

[calimary]

10. Gee, george, nice job. You just HAD to hit that hornet's nest with your

damned baseball bat, didn't you. Thought you'd look like a tough guy if you did, didn't you. Frankly, the US should be "Saddam lovers." At least things were stable and the Islamic regime we profess to hate and fear and threat to veto was held at bay. And at least the lights were on and people could put gas in their car, and drive it across town without fear of snipers and bombings and street gangs and roving thugs. And they could siesta during the hot afternoons and be out in the evening as was their custom, without fear. I am NO Saddam lover. But Scott Ritter was correct, yet again. When Wolf Blitzer asked if he didn't think things in Iraq were surely better now without Saddam, he responded wisely, "you'd have to ask the people of Iraq," adding he doubted they'd say yes.

To say I hate this is the world's biggest understatement.

[Zero Gravitas]

11. How the hell did we get into this mess?

Oh, right, I remember now: