The constitution, Islamic Sharia law, and women’s rights in Iraq and Kurdistan

international | gender and sexuality | other press

Tuesday April 03, 2007 16:10

by Houzan Mahmoud

In Iraq amid chaos, sectarianism, a rise in tribalism, and the enslavement of women, one can think of a constitution which is being written only as a document - or some how an agreement between the political players in Iraq.

The constitution is only a clear indication of power sharing, pleasing each party's desire to practice their policies, and practices outlined by law.

When reading the constitution, from the preambles to the end, I thought it is just written in a patriarchal, religious and tribal language, and this is the political mixture of the parties we have in power in the so called “parliament”. It does not represent anything to do with Iraqi people, and their aspiration for freedom and equality.

We must see this dark reality that this constitution reflects the right wing, and tailor made divisionary policies of Bush administration towards Iraqi society. The problem of Iraqi people is not having a constitution right now, our major problem is occupation which must end, and the wide spread terror and sectarian violence that the occupation brought with itself.

This shows solely the power of the political rulers over the ruled. Whereas, in my opinion, the constitution should have reflected the will and wishes of Iraqis for their rights, freedoms and entitlements. It is clear that the will of political parties and their political interests and aspirations is far above the will of people - who have been victimised for decades under Saddam’s regime - and along the last 13 years of sanctions and almost 4 years of bloody occupation and terrorism.

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