❊ Hey, Libya, An Islamic State is NOT a Democracy

Blake Hounshell:

It’s hardly surprising that Libya is heading in a more religious direction — the vast majority of Libyans are conservative Muslims, after all — but what is somewhat alarming is the way Abdel Jalil simply decreed these things from the podium. If Libyans want to outlaw interest and bring back polygamy, fine, but let them do so in a democratic and transparent way: Write a new constitution and let the country vote on it.

I read the interpretations of Abdel Jalil’s speech which are trying to moderate what he said as “pragmatic” or “misinterpreted”. But I’m still pissed off. I’m angry because now Bachar Assad’s media will play this speech again and again, (“Didn’t we tell you that this whole Arab spring business is made by Alqaeda Islamists?”). I’m pissed because of the precedent this sets for Egypt and Tunisia, and I’m pissed because many people will now start missing Gaddafi and Ben Ali and Mubarak.

I don’t get this business of giving the state an official religion. Even P.M Erdogan of Turkey, an Islamist himself, doesn’t think the state should have a religion. As one smart protester put it: What used to be mamnou3 (forbidden) will now become haram (blasphemous). If you’re disagreeing with the state on matters like polygamy or alcohol, you’re now essentially disagreeing with God himself. You can forget about the rule of law, legislation and public policy debates.

I don’t mind people opting in for Shariaa rules on personal matters. But the state is for everyone, whether they’re Muslim or not. I still find it stupefying that Abdel Jaleel took that road from such a sacred podium.