Hamas agressively pushing Sharia law in Gaza
London's Daily Telegraph reports that the Islamist rulers of Gaza are pushing aggressively to enforce Islamic Sharia law on local residents (Hat Tip: Jihad Watch). The trend toward religious fundamentalism preceded the Hamas takeover. In recent years, hardliners have burned down the cinemas. Their charred remains are still visible in Gaza City. Militants blew up the last bar in 2005.This is the danger that awaits every Arab Muslim country that is currently undergoing regime change. If the Islamists are successful, it will be back to the 8th century for most of this region, with religious wars aimed at Israel and at the region's few remaining Christians, and a continuing cycle of poverty in the countries currently undergoing regime change. If you think that those currently revolting won't tolerate it, recall how Wael Ghonim was treated in Cairo last Friday when he was barred from the stage when Yusuf al-Qaradawi was speaking. Imagine if this whole region becomes like Iran and Gaza.
Gaza women, whose attire once varied from Western pants and skirts to colourful traditional embroidered robes, began donning ankle-length loose robes. Women with face veils, once rarely seen in Gaza, are now a common sight.
After winning the 2006 election, Hamas vowed it wouldn't impose Islamic law. But within two years, bureaucrats began ordering changes that targeted secular Gaza residents.
Today, plainclothes officers sometimes halt couples in the streets, demanding to see marriage licenses. Last year, the Interior Ministry banned women from smoking water pipes in public. Islamic faith does not ban women from smoking, but it is considered taboo in Gaza society.
"In the end, the people who think differently are leaving," said Rami, a 32-year-old activist in one of Gaza's few secular groups. He refused to give his last name, fearing retribution.
What could go wrong?
Labels: Gaza, Hamas, Sharia law
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:56 PM
1 Comments:
Islamism is the last philosophy the Arab World hasn't tried.
It tried monarchy, radical Arab nationalism and secular autocracy. And then there's Islam.
Here's betting that it'll be a generation or longer before the Islamists are discredited and demands for democracy finally emerge.
The Arab World hasn't yet seen the end of its love affair with autocrats of a different stripe.
What could go wrong indeed
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