As the last paragraph shows, this is a reaction to the recent return of alcohol to Basra. A What-Are-We-Fighting-For Sharia Alert from Iraq: "Iraq: Alcohol banned in southern city of Basra," from AKI, May 22 (thanks to Stlreader):
Baghdad, 22 May (AKI) - Alcohol has been banned in the southern Iraqi province of Basra.The provincial Basra Council has approved a new law enforcing the ban in the territory, the Voices of Iraq news agency cited Council president Nasif al-Ibadi as saying.
The alcohol in the province was approved late on Wednesday, al-Ibadi said.
"You will not be able to cross the borders between Iraq and other neighbouring countries carrying loads of alcohol to other parts of the country," he stated.
The local administration applied the change under Article 2 of the Iraqi constitution that includes the application of Sharia law.
The alcohol ban appears to be one of several changes in the area following an offensive by Iraqi security forces against the Shia militias of radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr a month ago.
Several local bars reopened in Basra recently after being closed for four years. They began serving alcohol after soldiers arrived from Baghdad to carry out the military offensive.
Raise a toast for democracy! Oh wait...
A tiny bit OT
Here's what I've been wondering:
How did the prohibition on drinking alcohol turn into a prohibition on using alcohol as a disinfectant?
Reposting this from my site:
The Iraqi Constitution, Article (2): 1st — Islam is the official religion of the state and is a basic source of legislation: (a) No law can be passed that contradicts the undisputed rules of Islam. (b) No law can be passed that contradicts the principles of democracy. (c) No law can be passed that contradicts the rights and basic freedoms outlined in this constitution.'
Both (a) & (b) contradict each other, and notice the very important distinction near the end of both (a) & (b), with the term 'undisputed rules' of Islam and the 'principles' of democracy. That is not an accident. The inclusion of the non-Islamic alien idea of 'democracy' was merely a concession to us in order to make us feel better about taking part in such a rotten ruse as this. It is that single line, (a) that stands out like a blood stain on a white shirt. Our separation of church and state should have been imposed on Iraq. They don’t know better? We do. And this should be the case with every Muslim country that forces us into a necessary confrontation with it. Making the world safe for Sharia Law is Not what we all thought about on 9/11.
"Allah is banned"
Now that would be something worth celebrating. Cheers!
Islam and Democracy = Oil and Water
And that will never change. Because it can't. Either one or the other has to go; they cannot co-habitate.
The "democracy" of an Islamic majority is tyranny.
Prost!
") - Alcohol has been banned in the southern Iraqi province of Basra. "
but heroin is permitted for personal used before attacking infidels.
I wonder where these officials fall in the plans to rid Iraq of those forcing a worse way to live on people who just want to live out their days in peace.
There is a better way. We are showing it to the people. It'll be up to those people to destroy this council and its members as they see fit. Do they want the better way or do they want the restrictions and terror in their daily lives?
{^_^}