Al-Hilla (AsiaNews) Yesterday the Islamic University of Al-Hilla, south of Baghdad, became host to a unique academic faculty in the world: the Faculty of Democracy with around 200 students already enrolled.
Its particularity resides in the fact that its students are heads of tribes and recognized religious leaders. Sitting on university lecture seats we find the heads of Iraq's majors tribes of Karbala, Najaf (sacred city to Shiites), Al-Diwaniyah, and of the three Al-Anbar provinces.
The democracy courses are directed by James Mayfield of the Coalition Center for Research and Formation.
In his inauguration speech, the president of the Islamic University of Al-Hilla said, "Islam is not against democracy (It) is not a concept imported by Jews and westerners as some assert." "Rather it is an interpretation of principles of justice found in Islam," he concluded.
During yesterday's lesson, taught by Dick Johnson in place of Paul Bremer's, students heard about the " risks of Lebanonization in Iraq" if democracy was not established. "You will end up like Lebanon if you don't grant the possibility of free elections of representatives." He underscored the important role tribal heads and religious Ulemas have in rebuilding the country.
Speaking about the "status of law", Mayfield emphasized that " to govern doesn't mean succumbing to the pressures public protest. A demonstration is not enough to distance a governor from his office. It is necessary to take the issue to court."
Dick Johnson repeated that there is the "difficulty of reconciling fidelity to clans, tribes and Islam while defending of the idea of a united Iraq representing all creeds and ethic groups."
While pointing out the values of democracy to students Johnson said that the American model needn't necessarily apply, yet a particular form of democracy must be found for Iraqis.
The course will last six months. As of January it will be these very tribal heads who spread what they learn to other citizens living in their areas. (PB)