Iraqis Receive U.S. Approval of Constitution

Monday, March 1, 2004
By Dexter Filkins

New York Times Writer

The role of Islam is more limited than some members of the governing council wanted. The interim constitution designates Islam as the official religion of the Iraqi state, but at the same time guarantees the free exercise of religion. Islam is described as only "a source" of legislation among others, not "the primary source" of law, as some Iraqi leaders wanted. The issue may have been resolved last month, when Mr. Bremer hinted that he would strike down any attempt to set up an Islamic republic. During the recent debates, Iraqi leaders inserted language into the interim constitution that would forbid the passing of laws that would undermine Islam. Yet for all of the compromises, there were hints of difficulties to come.

The killing of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in 680 was recalled on Monday in Karbala, Iraq, on the Shiite holy day of Ashura. The child represents Hussein's child, who was also killed.

Image Credit: Joao Silva -- for The New York Times

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- NYT
American officials said Monday that they would approve a temporary Iraqi constitution, all but ensuring that the document would serve as the framework for a new Iraqi state.

But the celebratory mood was muted by the knowledge that Iraqi leaders had put off for later many of the most intractable issues. The negotiators struck several important compromises, including ones on women's rights and the role of Islam. But they deferred issues like the disarming of private militias, the composition of the interim government that will take charge on June 30 and a mechanism for elections.

A senior American official here said that L. Paul Bremer III, the chief American administrator in Iraq, was prepared to sign the document, hammered out during an overnight session early Monday morning. Mr. Bremer's assent is necessary for the new Iraqi constitution to take effect.

"This is a major achievement, only a day late, which I think is terrific," Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said during an appearance on the CBS "Early Show," referring to the Feb. 28 deadline.

The relief among the Americans was matched by the excitement that swept Iraq's government on Monday afternoon. "This is a great day in the history of Iraq, an unforgettable day," said Adnan Pachachi, the 80-year-old former foreign minister who began his diplomatic career when Iraq was ruled by a king. "It is a unique day perhaps in the history of the whole region."

(More: NYTimes.com / International)

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Dan