1. Comment #122449 by evolver23 on February 5, 2008 at 9:27 am

Amen.

Other Comments by evolver23

2. Comment #122452 by MPhil on February 5, 2008 at 9:28 am

Eloquent as ever. Sad thing it most likely will not be printed.

Other Comments by MPhil

3. Comment #122454 by Cartomancer on February 5, 2008 at 9:30 am

One hopes that important people with real international clout will listen and take heed. Forgive me for being less than optimistic on this score however.

Other Comments by Cartomancer

4. Comment #122466 by ksskidude on February 5, 2008 at 9:49 am

I think we all should write an op-ed to our newspapers. I wonder if Mr. Dennett would mind if we sent his editrial to our local papers? Josh can you see with Mr. Dennett? Do you have those connections? LOL

Other Comments by ksskidude

5. Comment #122467 by godless1 on February 5, 2008 at 9:51 am

What is most glaring to me is that it never crosses the mind of these muslim lunatics that an omnipotent and omniscient perfect god could quite easily deal with the offending party himself if he is truly bothered by the egregious offense of speaking ill of that pedophile and mass murderer we all recognize as prophet Muhammed.

God does not need these bargain basement fools running around with a rope looking for someone to hang. I'm very confident such a deity could keep his own backyard in order unassisted.

As for the Danish cartoons: they were universally denounced largely out of fear of violent muslim reprisals. Ignorant lunatics.

Other Comments by godless1

6. Comment #122470 by Elles on February 5, 2008 at 9:55 am

I definitely agree with Dennett. People should be protesting in the streets over this. Somebody should do SOMETHING... At least sign that petition on the website the other article about this was posted on.

Other Comments by Elles

7. Comment #122476 by steveroot on February 5, 2008 at 10:15 am

5. Comment #122467 by godless1 on February 5, 2008 at 9:51 am
What is most glaring to me is that it never crosses the mind of these ****** lunatics that an omnipotent and omniscient perfect god could quite easily deal with the offending party himself if he is truly bothered by the egregious offense of speaking ill of ______________ (fill in your favorite).

This applies equally well to christianity and any other religion claiming an "omniscient and omnipotent" deity.
Steve

Other Comments by steveroot

8. Comment #122478 by gcdavis on February 5, 2008 at 10:22 am

Many of us live in countries who have sent troops to Afghanistan, men and women who are dying on a weekly basis to rid that country of the Taliban and Al Qaeda, in order for civilised, democratic values to take root, some hope!

Other Comments by gcdavis

9. Comment #122480 by Verylee on February 5, 2008 at 10:27 am

The conviction and pending execution of an Afghani student, Sayed Parwiz Kambakhsh, for blasphemy is an appalling circumstance, but it offers an opportunity that we should all seize

....I agree. However the world's media, everyone must remain vigilant as the next victim may not get the exposure as him and subsequently be quietly disposed of in order to sustain this religion of "peace" (for "peace", read fear).

Other Comments by Verylee

10. Comment #122481 by al-rawandi on February 5, 2008 at 10:29 am

gcdavis,


I made this observation some time ago. Sometimes I feel like we should step back and see what happens.

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11. Comment #122482 by Stephen on February 5, 2008 at 10:31 am

People...

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/letters/articles/2008/02/02/can_outrage_in_afghanistan_inspire_us/

The Boston Globe already ran the letter...on the website anyway...not sure about print

Other Comments by Stephen

12. Comment #122495 by Quetzalcoatl on February 5, 2008 at 10:54 am

Sadly, I don't anticipate any wide-spread condemnation, particularly by Muslims. There never is.

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13. Comment #122498 by Spiral on February 5, 2008 at 10:54 am

Standing ovation to Mr. Dennett!

Other Comments by Spiral

14. Comment #122501 by GBile on February 5, 2008 at 11:01 am

I find that we must do as much as we can to save mr. Kambakhsh from the fate that the Afghan religious court has condemned him to. And we must try to save the next victim, and the next ...

Of course we must also closely observe what is done (or is not done) in Pakistan, Saoudi Arabia, Alegeria, Egypt, the muslim communities in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and so on.
It could well be that, on basis of action or inaction in those places, we will one day have to judge the muslims of this world.

From experiences in the past, I expect that this judgment will be harsh.

Other Comments by GBile

15. Comment #122505 by Styrer- on February 5, 2008 at 11:07 am

His approach is politically astute. If it weren't, there is absolutely no way on earth that I would not have vomited copiously at his comment 'The best way of showing our good will towards Islam', nor indeed at the contemptible idea that 'There is no need, yet, for anger'.

Political astuteness aside, I have no good will towards Islam, towards its moderate nor its fundamentalist adherents whatsoever.

And I became angry a good while ago.

Best,
Styrer

Other Comments by Styrer-

16. Comment #122510 by phil rimmer on February 5, 2008 at 11:17 am

You can help

Read this-

http://www.newstatesman.com/200802050001

And go here if you can-

"Join a demonstration to demand the freedom of Parwiz Kambakhsh on Friday, February 8, 2008, 12.00 to 2.00 pm at the Afghanistan Embassy, 31 Princes Gate, London, SW7 organised by the Iranian Secular Society and endorsed by the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain."

Other Comments by phil rimmer

17. Comment #122511 by bluehillside on February 5, 2008 at 11:21 am

Just fyi, the Independent newspaper here in the UK has been running a campaign on this issue. Here's a link:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/save-pervez-global-protests-to-save-afghan-student-from-death-sentence-776783.html

Other Comments by bluehillside

18. Comment #122518 by phil rimmer on February 5, 2008 at 11:33 am

Styrer, your distaste helps no-one.

If we respect the sanctity of what any of us may hold in private and judge only what is transacted in public, then we may find we have friends and allies aplenty to fix things.

The fact that I believe a load of bollocks is no matter for you so long they never pass my lips....


Erm... not a good image that last one...sorry.

bluehillside.

Good stuff. Its worth adding that there is an e-petition to sign at the end. 30 seconds of anybody's time well spent.

Other Comments by phil rimmer

19. Comment #122520 by Sally Luxmoore on February 5, 2008 at 11:44 am

Excellent letter.

Is Amnesty International involved? If so, we could all send letters / postcards via Amnesty to Sayed Parwiz Kambakhsh, which serves the dual purpose of letting him know he is not alone and also makes the Afghan authorities (uncomfortably) aware that the world is watching.

Other Comments by Sally Luxmoore

20. Comment #122522 by Mr DArcy on February 5, 2008 at 11:51 am

I bet the Christians are secretly envious of the vicious mental hold that Islam has over its adherents. I mean when the Pope says no to contraception, the more modern Catholics use it anyway, and can buy their way out of sin at confession. The Islamics, however have no problem with mutilating parts of or all of the human body. The Islamics we hear about are still living in the middle ages, just look at their countries of origin. The Islamics we don't hear about are probably too frightened of "offending" Allah to do anything. The modern world will tame Islam in due course as it did with Christianity, probably when the oil runs out in the Middle East.

Other Comments by Mr DArcy

21. Comment #122527 by jimbob on February 5, 2008 at 12:05 pm

Well, I'm delighted that one of the horsemen has stepped forward!

At risk of belaboring comments I have recently made, I humbly suggest that this is a perfect time for all four horsemen to try to make a major news event of this nonsense.

The public have been indoctrinated into believing that religion is the source of morality -- so what better opportunity to disabuse them of that myth than now?

If examples such as executing people for blasphemy, or strapping bombs to mentally handicapped women don't underline the fact that yahweh-dogmas breed evil, I don't know what will.

Richard, Christopher, and Sam --- get together with Dan and call a press conference --- soon!

Other Comments by jimbob

22. Comment #122531 by Richard M on February 5, 2008 at 12:09 pm

Surely Islam is a religion whose God, Allah, can defend himself. Why must you put people to death for 'sins' resulting from natural instincts?
Why this hatred of women who are part of Allah's creation? How do you justify killing other human beings to please or defend God? To do so is to be devoid of conscience.
Humans are subject to lapses an errors in judgment - including ISLAMIC JUDGES AND CLERICS. Your stone-age justice is despicable!

* Immediate release of Zohreh and Azar

* Immediate abolition of stoning and the death penalty

Signed: Richard Michaud. One who can forgive human frailty. One who values the sanctity of human life.

Other Comments by Richard M

23. Comment #122535 by al-rawandi on February 5, 2008 at 12:14 pm

Richard M.


The other day two women were sentenced to death in Iran for adultery. The evidence was a video of them mingling with unrelated men while their husbands were away.

Initially they were only sentenced to 99 lashes but later they were re-sentenced to death by stoning. There had been a clerical write prohibiting stoning, but this sentence has been approved by the supreme court of Iran.

There is actually no evidence that these women committed adultery aside from a video of them mingling, and a coerced confession by one of the women.

How sick.

Other Comments by al-rawandi

24. Comment #122540 by righton on February 5, 2008 at 12:20 pm

Rawandi,

Wow, thats amazing. There are so many things that we dont know are going on. Where did you hear about that?

Other Comments by righton

25. Comment #122541 by HughCaldwell on February 5, 2008 at 12:20 pm

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is our creation. It is our staunch ally. We can easily criticize the horrors we are responsible for. For an Afghan it would take enormous courage to risk death by voicing opposition to the fundamentalism that we are supporting.

Other Comments by HughCaldwell

26. Comment #122543 by jaytee_555 on February 5, 2008 at 12:24 pm

"......everyone must remain vigilant, as the next victim may not get the [same] exposure as him, and subsequently be quietly disposed of in order to sustain this religion of "peace" (for "peace", read fear)."

I understand your sentiment, Verylee. But surely the whole point of executing blasphemers it to instill fear and obedience in the population. To dispose of blasphemers 'quietly' would defeat the object of the exercise, so I feel it is not likely to be done that way. Let's hope not, anyway.

I totally agree that pressure must be brought to bear by decent people of all religions and none, to protest against the regimes who perpetrate this vileness, and to embarass all 'moderates' who turn a blind eye.

Other Comments by jaytee_555

27. Comment #122547 by GoneGolfing on February 5, 2008 at 12:37 pm

--

I certainly appreciate and respect Dr. Dennett, but I'm having some difficulty accepting and understanding this statement:

The time has come for Muslims to step up to the plate and demonstrate that Islam is a great faith that has no need for violence or intimidation to maintain the loyalty of its congregation.

I'd be interested to hear his thoughts on exactly what it is that makes it such a "great faith" ?

Excellent article otherwise.

GG :-)

Other Comments by GoneGolfing

28. Comment #122548 by al-rawandi on February 5, 2008 at 12:37 pm

righton,


I can't remember. I think it was linked on the Drudgereport.

I don't think IRNA had it. It was Jerusalem Post maybe.

Other Comments by al-rawandi

29. Comment #122549 by Scott McMeekin on February 5, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Dennett is eloquent and concise as always. Fox could do well to examine his style for a proper definition of "fair and balanced". Honestly, the radical islamists remind me of the witch-hunting mob in Monty Python's "Holy Grail". It would be nothing more than an amusing parody if people didn't actually act like this in real life.

Lamentably however, my incredulity at people's capacity for a complete lack of common sense doesn't benefit the poor bugger for whom a beheading awaits. I firmly believe that if the people in these countries were better educated, and from a variety of books, rather than one particularly old one, then they would be less likely to be so credulous with the so called "scholars" initiating all this fire and brimstone.

Scott.

Other Comments by Scott McMeekin

30. Comment #122559 by home8896 on February 5, 2008 at 12:57 pm

I do hope that someone with clout is hearing things like this. This was a fantastic piece: eloquent, succinct. I wish I could do more than give a "hear, hear" in agreement.

Other Comments by home8896

31. Comment #122569 by HughCaldwell on February 5, 2008 at 1:32 pm

"The time has come for Muslims to step up to the plate "

Dr Dennett is an innocent soul. Stepping up, in Muslim countries, could mean stepping up to the gallows to be hung by the neck until dead or being done to death by a do-gooder.

Other Comments by HughCaldwell

32. Comment #122570 by henning on February 5, 2008 at 1:39 pm

And the "blashemous" thing he did was downloading a report from the net on oppression of women... If anything, he should have been rewarded.

Other Comments by henning

33. Comment #122573 by cowalker on February 5, 2008 at 1:47 pm

HughCaldwell: "Stepping up, in Muslim countries, could mean stepping up to the gallows to be hung by the neck until dead or being done to death by a do-gooder."

Too true. But Dr. Dennet is criticizing people who live in the West, both Muslim and non-Muslim, for not speaking out against this medieval violence committed against freedom of speech in the name of religion. He is saying that when we "respect" the right of Muslim countries to follow sharia laws that are outdated and barbarous, we are failing in our responsibility to improve human rights globally. Either through cowardice or exaggerated sensitivity to the "sacred," we don't challenge practices rooted in religious faith. I'd say it's a bit of both.

Other Comments by cowalker

34. Comment #122578 by agn on February 5, 2008 at 1:52 pm

"Stepping up, in Muslim countries, could mean stepping up to the gallows to be hung by the neck until dead or being done to death by a do-gooder.
"

Indeed. Who are these horrible people willing to murder peaceful protesters.
Not..Muslims, perchance?

Other Comments by agn

35. Comment #122584 by Corylus on February 5, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Hugh

"The time has come for Muslims to step up to the plate "
Dr Dennett is an innocent soul. Stepping up, in Muslim countries, could mean stepping up to the gallows to be hung by the neck until dead or being done to death by a do-gooder.

Actually, no. I read him as being well aware of the nature of all of the issues.

The use of mild mannered language and gentle injunctions in the letter above elicit exactly the response you just had from both the atheist and the moderate believer. That is the point.

This is a twin pronged attack; on both the moderate western muslim (who will be squirming in embarrassment) and the fluffy pseudo intellectual who might to tempted to stand up for the Afghan government because of cultural relativism or the fear of being deemed a racist.

These are the two groups in the position of being most likely to be able to lobby effectively for the release of Pervez. (A direct appeal for a famous Western atheist could well be way more of a hindrance than a help).

Also, for anyone reading this shows up:

a) the cowardice that many Western intellectuals show

and

b)the sheer idiocy and inhumanity of blasphemy as a crime.

All without putting this poor man at increased risk.

This is an extremely clever letter: drafted with a great deal of thought.

Dennett is no innocent.

Other Comments by Corylus

36. Comment #122596 by jaytee_555 on February 5, 2008 at 2:37 pm

Prof. Dennet is a very thoughtful and careful man. I have no doubt that he thought long and hard about the tone and wording of this letter. I'm assuming that he has adopted a 'concilliatory' stance towards 'moderate' Muslims because of the nature of the issue, where the short term goal is literally a matter of life and death for a few poor individuals.

Anyone who has read his books knows what his atheist credentials are, and I'm pretty sure they haven't changed recently. Personally, I'm not at all happy with some of the phrases used, but if this pragmatic approach turns out to be effective, you'll not hear me complaining.

Other Comments by jaytee_555

37. Comment #122599 by pebble on February 5, 2008 at 2:52 pm

For your amusement below is the begining of the afghan constitution (google will give you the rest).

Article 3 seems is not exactly tolerant.

Although the "protesting" sites are worthy and if I was a betting man (I would not his family to read this) he will not be hung, more direct action is generally more effecitve. I will be writing to 3 large law firms with whom I spend a lot of cash and say pro bono? Lawyers could be the solution in this case.

Anyone in the UK should write to Muslim Council of Britain.

Preamble

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, We the people of Afghanistan:
With firm faith in God Almighty and relying on His mercy, and Believing in the Sacred religion of Islam, Observing the United Nations Charter and respecting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Realizing the injustice and shortcoming of the past, and the numerous troubles imposed on our country, While acknowledging the sacrifices and the historic struggles, rightful Jehad and resistance of the Nation, and respecting the high position of the martyrs for the freedom of Afghanistan, Understanding the fact that Afghanistan is a single and united country and belongs to all ethnicity residing in this country, For consolidating, national unity, safeguarding independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country, For establishing a government based on people's will and democracy, For creation of a civil society free of oppression, atrocity, discrimination, and violence, based on rule of law, social justice, protection of human rights, and dignity, and ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms of the people, For strengthening of political, social, economic, and defensive institutions of the country, For ensuring a prosperous life, and sound environment for all those residing in this land, And finally for regaining Afghanistan's deserving place in the international community,
Have adopted this constitution in compliance with historical, cultural, and social requirements of the era, through our elected representatives in the Loya Jirga dated / /1382 in the city of Kabul.

Chapter One The State

Article 1
Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic, independent, unitary and indivisible state.

Article 2
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.

Article 3
In Afghanistan, no law can be contrary to the sacred religion of Islam and the values of this Constitution.

Article 4
National sovereignty in Afghanistan belongs to the nation that exercises it directly or through its representatives.
The nation of Afghanistan consists of all individuals who are the citizen of Afghanistan.
The word Afghan applies to every citizen of Afghanistan.
None of the citizens of the nation shall be deprived of his Afghan citizenship.
Affairs related to the citizenship and asylum are regulated by law.

Article 5
Implementation of the provisions of this constitution and other laws, defending independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ensuring the security and defense capability of the country, are the basic duties of the state.

Article 6
The state is obliged to create a prosperous and progressive society based on social justice, protection of human dignity, protection of human rights, realization of democracy, and to ensure national unity and equality among all ethnic groups and tribes and to provide for balanced development in all areas of the country.

Article 7
The state shall abide by the United Nations charter, international treaties, international conventions that Afghanistan has signed, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The state prevents all types of terrorist activities, production and smuggling of narcotics.

Article 8
The state regulates the foreign policy of the country on the basis of preserving the independence, national interests, territorial integrity, non-aggression, good neighborliness, mutual respect, and equal rights.

Article 9
Mines, underground resources are properties of the state.
Law shall regulate protection, use, management, and mode of utilization of the public properties.

Article 10
The State encourages and protects private capital investments and enterprises based on the market economy and guarantee their protection in accordance with the provisions of law.

Article 11
Affairs related to the domestic and external trade shall be regulated by law, in accordance with the needs of the national economy and public interests.

Article 12
De Afghanistan Bank is the central and independent bank of the state.
Issuance of currency, and formulation and implementation of monetary policy of the country are the mandates of the central bank in accordance with law.
Structure and operation of this bank shall be regulated by law.

Article 13
The state shall formulate and implement effective programs for development of industries, growth of production, increasing of public living standards, and support to craftsmanship.

Article 14
The state shall design and implement within its financial resources effective programs for development of agriculture and animal husbandry, improving the economic, social and living conditions of farmers, herders, settlement and living conditions of nomads.
The state adopts necessary measures for housing and distribution of public estates to deserving citizens in accordance within its financial resources and the law.

Article 15
The archeological artifacts are the state property.
The state is obliged to adopt necessary measures for safeguarding archeological artifacts, proper exploitation of natural resources, and improvement of ecological conditions.

Article 16
From among the languages of Pashto, Dari, Uzbeki, Turkmani, Baluchi, Pashaei, Nuristani, and other languages spoken in the country, Pashto and Dari are the official languages of the state.
The state adopts and implements effective plans for strengthening, and developing all languages of Afghanistan.
Publications and radio and television broadcasting are free in all other languages spoken in the country.

Article 17
The state shall adopt necessary measures for promotion of education in all levels, development of religious education, organizing and improving the conditions of mosques, madrasas and religious centers.

Article 18
The calendar of the country shall be based on the pilgrimage of the Prophet (PBUH).
The basis of work for state offices is the solar calendar.
Friday is a public holiday.
Other holidays shall be regulated by law.

Article 19
The Afghan flag is made up of three equal parts, with black, red and green colors bordering from left to right perpendicularly.

The width of every colored piece is equal to half of its length. The national insignia is located in the center of the flag.

The national insignia of the state of Afghanistan is composed of Mehrab and pulpit in white color.

Two flags are located on its two sides. In the upper-middle part of the insignia the sacred phrase of "There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his prophet, and Allah is Great" is placed, along with a rising sun. The word "Afghanistan" and year 1298 (solar calendar) is located in the lower part of the insignia. The insignia is encircled with two branches of wheat.

The law shall regulate the use of national flag and emblem.

Article 20
The National Anthem of Afghanistan shall be in Pashtu.

Article 21
The capital of Afghanistan is the city of Kabul.
Chapter Two Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens

Article 22
Any kind of discrimination and privilege between the citizens of Afghanistan are prohibited.
The citizens of Afghanistan have equal rights and duties before the law

Article 23
Life is a gift of God and a natural right of human beings. No one shall be deprived of this right except by the provision of law.

Article 24
Liberty is the natural right of human beings. This right has no limits unless affecting the rights of others or public interests, which are regulated by law.
Liberty and dignity of human beings are inviolable.
The state has the duty to respect and protect the liberty and dignity of human beings.

Article 25
Purity of heart is the original state.
An accused is considered innocent until convicted by a final decision of an authorized court.

Article 26
Crime is a personal action.
The prosecution, arrest, and detention of an accused and the execution of penalty can not affect another person.

Article 27
No act is considered a crime, unless determined by a law adopted prior to the date on which the offense is committed.
No person can be pursued, arrested or detained but in accordance with provisions of law.
No person can be punished but in accordance with the decision of an authorized court and in conformity with the law adopted before the date of offense.

Article 28
No citizen of Afghanistan accused of a crime can be extradited to a foreign state unless according mutual agreement and international conventions that Afghanistan has joined.
No Afghan would be sentenced to deprivation of citizenship or to exile inside the country or abroad.

Article 29
Torture of human beings is prohibited.
No person, even with the intention of discovering the truth, can resort to torture or order the torture of another person who may be under prosecution, arrest, or imprisoned or convicted to punishment.
Punishment contrary to human integrity is prohibited.

Article 30
Any statement, testimony, or confession obtained from an accused or of another person by means of compulsion are invalid.
Confession to a crime is: a voluntary confession before an authorized court by an accused in a sound state of mind.

Article 31
Every person upon arrest can seek an advocate to defend his rights or to defend his case for which he is accused under the law.
The accused upon arrest has the right to be informed of the attributed accusation and to be summoned to the court within the limits determined by law.
In criminal cases, the state shall appoint an advocate for a destitute.
The duties and authorities of advocates shall be regulated by law.

Article 32
Being in debt does not limit a person's freedom or deprive him of his liberties.
The mode and means of recovering a debt shall be regulated by law.

Article 33
The citizens of Afghanistan have the right to elect and be elected.
Law regulates the conditions and means to exercise this right.

Article 34
Freedom of expression is inviolable.
Every Afghan has the right to express his thought through speech, writing, or illustration or other means, by observing the provisions stated in this Constitution.
Every Afghan has the right to print or publish topics without prior submission to the state authorities in accordance with the law.

The law will regulate directives related to printing house, radio, television, press, and other mass media.

Article 35
The citizens of Afghanistan have the right to form social organizations for the purpose of securing material or spiritual aims in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The citizens of Afghanistan have the right to form political parties in accordance with the provisions of the law, provided that:
1. The program and charter of the party are not contrary to the principles of sacred religion of Islam, and the provisions and values of this Constitution. 2. The organizational structure and financial sources of the party are made public. 3. The party does not have military or paramilitary aims and structures. 4. Should have no affiliation to a foreign political party or sources.

Formation and functioning of a party based on ethnicity, language, religion and region is not permissible.
A party set up in accordance with provisions of the law shall not be dissolved without lawful reasons and the decision of an authorized court.

Article 36
The citizens of Afghanistan have the right to un-armed demonstrations, for legitimate peaceful purposes.

Article 37
Confidentiality and freedom of correspondence and communication whether in the form of letters or through telephone, telegraph and other means, are immune from invasion.
The state does not have the right to inspect personal correspondence and communication unless authorized by the provisions of law.

Article 38
A person's residence is immune from invasion.
Other than the situations and methods indicated in the law, no one, including the state, are allowed to enter or inspect a private residence without prior permission of the resident or holding a court order.
In case of an evident crime, an official in-charge of the situation can enter or conduct a house search prior to the permission of the court.
The official involved in the situation is required to obtain a subsequent court order for the house search within the period indicated by law.

Article 39
Every Afghan has the right to travel or settle in any part of the country except in the regions forbidden by law.
Every Afghan has the right to travel abroad and return home in accordance with the provisions of law.
The state shall protect the rights of the citizens of Afghanistan abroad.

Article 40
Property is immune from invasion.
No person shall be forbidden from acquiring and making use of a property except within the limits of law.
No body's property shall be confiscated without the provisions of law and the order of an authorized court.
Acquisition of a person's property, in return for a prior and just compensation within the bounds of law, is permitted only for securing public interests in accordance with the provisions of law.
Inspection and disclosure of a private property are carried out only in accordance with the provisions of law.

Article 41
Foreign individuals do not have the right to own immovable property in Afghanistan.
Lease of immovable property for the purpose of investment is permissible in accord with law.
The sale of estates to diplomatic missions of foreign countries and to those international agencies, of which Afghanistan is a member, is permissible in accordance with the provisions of law.

Article 42
Every Afghan is obligated to pay taxes and duties to the government in accordance with the provisions of law.
No taxes and duties are enforced without provisions of law.
The rate of taxes and duties and the method of payment are determined by law on the basis of observing social justice.
This provision is also applied to foreign individuals and agencies.
Every kind of tax, duties, and incomes collected, shall be delivered to the State account.

Article 43
Education is the right of all citizens of Afghanistan, which shall be provided up to secondary level, free of charge by the state.

The state is obliged to devise and implement effective programs for a balanced expansion of education all over Afghanistan, and to provide compulsory intermediate level education.
The state is also required to provide the opportunity to teach native languages in the areas where they are spoken.

Article 44
The state shall devise and implement effective programs for balancing and promoting of education for women, improving of education of nomads and elimination of illiteracy in the country.

Article 45
The state shall devise and implement a unified educational curriculum based on the provisions of the sacred religion of Islam, national culture, and in accordance with academic principles, and develops the curriculum of religious subjects on the basis of the Islamic sects existing in Afghanistan.

Article 46
Establishing and operating of higher, general and vocational education are the duties of the state.
The citizens of Afghanistan also can establish higher, general, and vocational private educational institutions and literacy courses with the permission of the state.
The state can also permit foreign persons to set up higher, general and vocational educational private institutes in accordance with the law.
The conditions for admission to state higher education institutions and other related matters to be regulated by the law.

Article 47
The state shall devise effective programs for the promotion of science, culture, literature and the arts.
The state guarantees the rights of authors, inventors, and discoverers, and encourages and supports scientific researches in all areas, and publicizes the effective use of their results in accordance with the law.

Article 48
Work is the right of every Afghan.
Working hours, paid holidays, right of employment and employee, and other related affairs are regulated by law.
Choice of occupation and craft is free within the limits of law.

Article 49
Forced labor is forbidden.

Forced labor, in times of war, calamity, and other situations threatening lives and public welfare are exceptions to this rule.
Children shall not be subjected to the force labor.

Article 50
The state is obliged to adopt necessary measures for creation of a strong and sound administration and realization of reforms in the administration system of the country.
Government offices are bound to carry their work with full neutrality and incompliance with the provisions of law.
The citizens of Afghanistan have the right of access to the information from the government offices in accordance with the provisions of law.
This rights has no limits, unless violation of the rights of the others.
The citizens of Afghanistan are employed for state services on the basis of qualification without any kind of discrimination and in accordance with law.

Article 51
Any person suffering undue harm by government action is entitled to compensation, which he can claim by appealing to court.
With the exception of situation stated in the law, the state cannot claim its right without the order of an authorized court.

Article 52

The state is obliged to provide the means of preventive health care and medical treatment, and proper health facilities to all citizens of Afghanistan in accordance with.
The state encourages and protects the establishment and expansion of private medical services and health centers in accordance with law.
The state in order to promote physical education and improve national and local sports adopts necessary measures.

Article 53
The state takes necessary measures for regulating medical services and financial support to descendants of martyred, lost or disabled and handicapped individuals in accordance with Law.
The state guarantees the rights of pensioners and renders necessary assistance to needy elders, women without caretakers, and needy orphans in accordance with the law.

Article 54
Family is a fundamental unit of society and is supported by the state.
The state adopts necessary measures to ensure physical and psychological well being of family, especially of child and mother, upbringing of children and the elimination of traditions contrary to the principles of sacred religion of Islam.

Article 55
The defense of the country is the responsibility of all citizens of Afghanistan.
The conditions for military services are regulated by law.

Article 56
Observing the provisions of the Constitution, obeying the laws, adhering to public law and order are the duties of all people of Afghanistan.
Ignorance about the provisions of law is not considered an excuse.

Article 57
The state guarantees the rights and liberties of the foreign citizens residing in Afghanistan in accordance with the law.
Theses people are obliged to observe the laws of the state of Afghanistan in accordance with the International Law.

Article 58
The State, for the purpose of monitoring, observation of human rights in Afghanistan their protection, shall establish the Independent Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan.
Everyone in case of violation of his fundamental rights can launch complaint to this Commission.
The commission can refer the cases of violation of the fundamental rights of the persons to the legal authorities, and assist them defending their rights.
Structure and mode of function of this Commission will be regulated by law.

Article 59
No one can misuse the rights and freedoms under this Constitution against independence, territorial integrity, national unity, sovereignty and national unity.

Other Comments by pebble

38. Comment #122600 by jaytee_555 on February 5, 2008 at 2:54 pm

Spot on, Corylus.

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39. Comment #122603 by HughCaldwell on February 5, 2008 at 3:25 pm

"Too true. But Dr. Dennet is criticizing people who live in the West, both Muslim and non-Muslim 33. Comment #122573 by cowalker on February 5, 2008 at 1:47 pm "

That's not what he said. He didn't say 'Muslims living in the West'. He said Muslims.

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40. Comment #122605 by steveroot on February 5, 2008 at 3:31 pm

27. Comment #122547 by GoneGolfing on February 5, 2008 at 12:37 pm
--
I'd be interested to hear his thoughts on exactly what it is that makes it such a "great faith"?

It *does* sound a little patronizing, but Dr. Dennett has doubtless carefully crafted his statement, as noted previously. Minus the rabid intolerance, would it be any less "great" than christianity? His letter was about as succinct and appropriate as it could be IMO.
Steve

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41. Comment #122606 by HughCaldwell on February 5, 2008 at 3:32 pm

"Lawyers could be the solution in this case. 37. Comment #122599 by pebble on February 5, 2008 at 2:52 pm"

These sentences are not usually (if ever) carried out in Pakistan. However, the threat is enough to suppress free speech and being thrown in jail and the possibility of being murdered by some self-righteous zealot is a powerful deterrent to honest debate.

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42. Comment #122607 by home8896 on February 5, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Yes, well, it seemed apparent that this was aimed at the ones not living in the extreme conditions that this execution portrays to the rest of the world about Islam. Not even all of the East is as harsh as that, and if there was a loud enough voice from the less extreme factions, maybe something could be done. As well as the fact that if the entirety of the Muslim masses feel so oppressed and live in such terror of the extremists, maybe it's time we jarred them into action against what they tell us is a minority. And if it isn't a minority, then maybe they need to be more honest.

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43. Comment #122609 by pebble on February 5, 2008 at 3:41 pm

Hugh - is one life important to you

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44. Comment #122611 by pebble on February 5, 2008 at 3:51 pm

HC - Not to pick an argument its Afganistan (not Pakistan) and i think they still quite like to kill blasphemers.

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45. Comment #122614 by chuckgoecke on February 5, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Hear, Hear, well said. We all must redouble our efforts to combat the political correctness and multicultural forgiveness that is going to make a bad situation worst in the coming years. Dan's comments here do just that.

Other Comments by chuckgoecke

46. Comment #122618 by eccles on February 5, 2008 at 4:29 pm

It is bad enough that some countries have state laws against blasphemy, England, I believe is reviewing these laws. But to have these laws that ban blasphemy against a fictious "god", is mad. I disagree with the Swearing of an Oath in the name of a "God". At least most courts of law permit an Afirmation.

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47. Comment #122619 by HughCaldwell on February 5, 2008 at 4:32 pm

"Not to pick an argument its Afganistan (not Pakistan)44. Comment #122611 by pebble on February 5, 2008 at 3:51 pm "

Dennett talked about Muslims, not just about any particular country. There are 1.5 billion Muslims and quite a lot of them live in Pakistan.

Other Comments by HughCaldwell

48. Comment #122629 by AfraidToDie on February 5, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Blasphemy by Daniel Dennett, Secular Phillosophy…Let us all just remind Muslims everywhere of what they must surely know: blasphemy is not a capital crime in any society worthy of respect.

“blasphemy is not a capital crime�? BLASPHEMY is not a crime of any kind!! Is it blasphemy when a theist claims they feel pity for an atheist? Blasphemy is either criticism or ignorance, neither of which is a crime.

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49. Comment #122636 by OverUsedChewToy on February 5, 2008 at 5:42 pm

The only part I disagree with is the bit that says that there is no need, yet, for anger.

Anger is entirely justified in this situation, and possibly necessary.

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50. Comment #122642 by mmurray on February 5, 2008 at 5:55 pm

I mean when the Pope says no to contraception, the more modern Catholics use it anyway, and can buy their way out of sin at confession.

You can't actually do that. If you go to confession and confess a sin which you have the intent of repeating you won't be in the correct state of mind to be absolved of the sin. You can't really mean sorry if you took another pill that morning or the bedside drawer is full of condoms.

My guess is they use contraception, don't go to confession and justify it as a matter of conscience.

Michael

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