Afghanistan unveiled a post-Taliban draft constitution Monday….The draft starts by declaring that “Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic…”
“The religion of Afghanistan is the sacred religion of Islam. Followers of other religions are free to perform their religious ceremonies within the limits of the provisions of law,” the draft states, according to an English translation provided by the government. While avoiding direct mention of Shariah, Islamic holy law, the draft states that “in Afghanistan, no law can be contrary to the sacred religion of Islam and the values of this Constitution.” [Associated Press, 11/3/03]