The latest development in the case of Christian convert Abdul Rahman is the Afghan government's trial balloon that he may be spared the death penalty if he is ruled insane. A top religious advisor to President Hamid Kharzai has said Rahman will undergo a psychological examination. "If he is mentally unfit," said Moayuddin Baluch, "he must be forgiven. The case must be dropped."
Recall that Afghanistan was occupied by the Soviets for a decade (1979-1989). This is exactly what the Soviets did to dissidents, declaring them insane and placing them in "asylums". Many of the dissidents were Christians and Jews. Declaring Mr. Rahman insane may be a convenient way to dispel international criticism, but it does not resolve the greater damage done to democracy in the Islamic world if religious freedom remains only a dream.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed "deep concern" over Rahman's fate and pledged to intervene if necessary. The Italian Foreign Ministry said, "Italy will move at the highest level to prevent something [happening to Rahman] which is incompatible with...human rights and fundamental freedoms." German and Italian troops have joined the United States in Operation Enduring Freedom there. And what is our own State Department saying?
"This is a question of the Afghan constitution and its laws," says spokesman Sean McCormack. Another tepid response. This is serious. If we do not resolve this case satisfactorily for freedom, the core purpose of the Global War on Terror will be at risk. What is terror but the willingness to murder innocent people who happen to disagree with you so that others like them will cower in fear?
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