Back, back, back in time in Iraq

The new constitution being drafted in Iraq should really demonstrate the convictions of this administration and the GOP in spreading freedom around the world, right? Ha. It actually demonstrats their committment to religious law and rolling back legislation that protects traditional minority groups.

Most worrying for women's groups has been the section on civil rights in the draft constitution, which some feel would significantly roll back women's rights under a 1959 civil law enacted by a secular regime.

In the copy obtained by AP on Monday, Article 19 of the second chapter says "the followers of any religion or sect are free to choose their civil status according to their religious or sectarian beliefs."

Shiite Muslim leaders have pushed for a stronger role for Islam in civil law but women's groups argue that could base legal interpretations on stricter religious lines that are less favorable toward women.