Reply #50: US Relents On Islamic Law To Reach Iraq Deal [View All]

[ruggerson]

Unbelievable. We've been fighting and spilling blood to set up a theocracy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1553862,00.html

Rory Carroll in Baghdad and Julian Borger in Washington
Monday August 22, 2005
The Guardian


The United States has eased its opposition to an Islamic Iraqi state to help clinch a deal on a draft constitution before tonight's deadline.
American diplomats backed religious conservatives who threatened to torpedo talks over the shape of the new Iraq unless Islam was a primary source of law. Secular and liberal groups were dismayed at the move, branding it a betrayal of Washington's promise to advocate equal rights in a free and tolerant society.

Stalemate over the role of Islam, among other issues, meant last week's deadline was extended for a week. Outstanding disputes could produce another cliffhanger tonight, triggering a further extension.

The Bush administration, keen to show the political process is on track, has waded into negotiations and pressured all sides to compromise.