Abdul Rahman, the Afghan man threatened with execution because he converted to Christianity, is reportedly set to be released. On Fox News Sunday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice claimed that Rahman was being freed not over legal technicalities, but because “the case itself” violated Afghanistan’s “constitutional expectations.” Watch it:
WALLACE: If [the case] is dropped, but not dropped because it’s just wrong to prosecute somebody for exercising freedom of religion, but rather because of technical flaws, lack of information, he’s mentally incompetent, does that end the controversy? Are you satisfied with that outcome?
RICE: Well, I think the question of mental incompetence, as far as I understand, has not been raised here. That this is really about the case itself. This is a complicated situation. We have been very clear with the Afghan government that the freedom of religion and the freedom of religious conscience is at the core of democratic development. They have constitutional expectations that have been written in that they will, in fact, live up to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which protects individual conscience on religion.
Actually, according to officials, Rahman is being released merely due to a “lack of evidence,” not because of any constitutional objections to religious persecution. In fact, Afghan prosecutors are still investigating the case:
The Associated Press quoted an official as saying an Afghan court had dismissed the case against Rahman because of a lack of evidence. The official told AP the case had been returned to prosecutors for more investigation and that Rahman would be released in the meantime.
For years, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a government entity, has warned that Afghanistan’s constitution contained “no guarantee of the right to religious freedom for all individuals.” Bush and other U.S. officials claimed otherwise, denying reality so they could promote the constitution as a diplomatic success. Clearly they haven’t learned their lesson.

I agree with the Afghaniacs on this one. Anyone who converts to Christainity is clearly insane.
March 26th, 2006 at 10:39 amoops… “Christianity” that is.
March 26th, 2006 at 10:41 amNeo-conservative founding father Irving Kristol once famously said, a neoconservative is “a liberal who’s been mugged by reality.” With the possible execution of Christian convert Abdul Rahman in Afghanistan, neo-conservatives’ faith in democracy promotion in the Middle East is falling victim to their own much-hyped law of unintended consequences.
For the full story, see:
March 26th, 2006 at 10:47 am“Abdul Rahman and the Death of the Bush Doctrine.”
How ironic that Michelle Malkin, LaShawn Barber and other conservatives bloggers helped stage a a “Support Abdul Rahman” rally outside the Afghan embassy Friday. Apparently, the same folks who encourage Christian orthodoxy at home are calling for religious tolerance in Afghanistan.
March 26th, 2006 at 10:49 amShe is the ultimate spin-mistress. And a smart cookie to boot. This Afghan spin is true to her form. Lie, lie, and lie some more.
Mark these words! Condi will be the VP before 08. Darth will resign due to health reasons and she will be maneuvered into the spot.
http://www.condiriceisangry.com/
March 26th, 2006 at 11:00 amCondi Rice should resign in shame, because she lies about everything just like Dubya! The man in Afghanistan was released on a technicality, but unless he is removed from the country the Religious clerics will kill him, so what will Condi say when the guy is found murdered?
March 26th, 2006 at 11:00 amThe bottom line with these people is “If we do it, it’s not only okay, but it’s blessed and championed by God. However, if anyone else does it, we have a right to bully, bomb and bleed them until they convert to our way of thinking.”
Christianity, Judaism and Islam are three branches of the same Middle East sprouted tree. An arid, sweltering desert where people fight over water and survival. To me, the extremists in every branch are just as dangerous and violent as the extremists in any other. So Islamic Extremist or Christian Extremist - who cares, they are one in the same and THAT is what we should be concerned about. What the religious fanatics Bush and Osama will do next to be King of the World…
March 26th, 2006 at 11:00 amso what will Condi say when the guy is found murdered?
Comment by Jay Randal — March 26, 2006 @ 11:00 am
That he didn’t believe deeply enough?
March 26th, 2006 at 11:02 amI have my own Constitutional expectations I’d like Dr.Rice to address.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:04 amMark these words! Condi will be the VP before 08. Darth will resign due to health reasons and she will be maneuvered into the spot.
Comment by WiscoDuk — March 26, 2006 @ 11:00 am
I’ve believed thatCheney will retire after November, but have been wondering who Bushie’s prospects were for replacing him. I figured he’d go for someone who wants to run in 2008. I think the neocons would talk him out of appointing her though. After all, there are Repulicans who would vote Democrat before voting for a black or a female - much less both.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:05 am#11,
Time will tell. From what I understand- Junior’s “pet” name for her is 44.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:08 am[…] - LEFTOID SITE: “VIDEO: Rice Falsely Spins Afghan Convert’s Release” … (thinkprogress) […]
March 26th, 2006 at 11:11 amTime will tell. From what I understand- Junior’s “pet†name for her is 44.
Comment by WiscoDuk — March 26, 2006 @ 11:08 am
He is arrogant, isn’t he? But who vote for her? My educated female friends - especially those who are black - hate her. The Dems won’t vote for Bush’s puppet. Then there are the patriarchal Repugs who only want white men in office. After all, we’ve already had 43 of them in 43 slots… But, you’re right - time will tell. I just hope the Democrats can come up with a viable candidate. Or we get a better Independent than Ross Perot and Ralph Nader… (the later would be my ideal right now because both parties are incompetent to lead our country).
March 26th, 2006 at 11:13 amI’d love to know the details of the backchannel negotiations on this case. Fortunately for the US, the Afghan courts are NOT independent, so the case was easy to fix. I image that there are some bruised feeling, though.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:16 amSince her infamouse “It’s just a historical reference…” or whatever she said in front of the 911 commission regarding the pre-911 PDB entitled “Osama Bin Laden Determined to Attack US” or something like that, I can’t look at this woman. Is she even human? Really? To tell that big a lie at that big a moment is utterly unforgivable and unforgetable. I can’t even look at her without feeling sick when seeing the face of evil.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:16 amSo when are we gonna start Blowing Up Guatemala.
I hear that pyramids were found their as well, and the Pyramids in Tulum, Mexico, those Damn Mayans.
All you Judeo-Christian Wackos better get busy blowing up the World and killing people for the “Moral” majority. You MUST KILL all the Guatemalans and create a Home for the European Jews in a Land they never Existed.
Fundamentalist Wacko [Chrisian, Jewish, Islamic] Morons.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:17 amRegardless of any spin or focus on an individual case, the Administration and democracy builders have created a problem in Afghanistan and Iraq that our soldiers are fighting to defend Sharia. Before a new govenrment gets our support, a constitution and a democratic structure should not be the only criteria. There must be some kind of protection of rights or tolerance criteria as well.
Unfortunately, we are not in a position to teach. We continue to say that we support “democracy” throughout the world, but really they are Governments with some democratic structure who are enemies of our enemies. Also, economics play more into this equation of who we support (FOLLOW the MONEY) than any message of spreading democracy. China is no example of a democracy or representative government or model of tolerance. Our support is economic…maybe now by necessity because we rely on cheap goods to keep our economy from tanking.
Hypocrisy abounds. And it is impossible to promote purely “democracy” and require that their laws mirror our Constitution.
The US is not a pure majority rules democracy; nor would we want one. It is set up as a balanced representative structure with overriding laws, based on a Constitution that protects individual differences and beliefs.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:19 amAnd then of course we Will have to Blow up those other nasty Ideologies, such as Moon Bats, Jews were here before moonbats.
The Reservations!!
Why we cant have a Bunch of Satanic Indians worshipping Kocapelli! Why the Mayans Were here before the indians and the Jewish “Religion” was here before CAVE MAN drawings, so the Judeo WackO Fundies better get busy ‘Blowing UP’ some Indian Reservations.
Idiots
March 26th, 2006 at 11:22 amBy the way, a caller this morning got in the face of Amy Goodman on C-SPAN — thank God for C-SPAN. and attacked Amy for speaking against this administration; he clearly and forcefully stated,
Bush Is God
Fellow Americans, this is what it as come to in this country. You and I have neighbors who believe that “Bush is God”.
Have a nice day.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:22 amGood posts All, never have liked Rice. When she lied for Bush and spoke of the mushroom cloud I looked into her dead eyes along with millions of other viewers. Rice is just another political whore, doesn’t matter her race or gender it will be a repeat of cruel and evil to allow her to be installed. Pickles thinks shes great, since shes married to king george thats enough reason not to allow Rice on the throne………Blessings
March 26th, 2006 at 11:23 amBelieve me unbelievable- I hope they do pull this move.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:24 amRice is just another political whore, doesn’t matter her race or gender it will be a repeat of cruel and evil to allow her to be installed.
Comment by Sharon Cox — March 26, 2006 @ 11:23 am
Hi Sharon,
Definitely agree - but you know how the Right thinks… your skin color and gender determines your character and integrity. Moronic, i know, but despite all the change, we’re still a long way from being out of that Dark Age mentality in the red states.
We just have to hope we get a strong Democrat. I’m not so optimistic that we will get one who isn’t sanctioned by the Corporate America same as all the others…
March 26th, 2006 at 11:28 amBelieve me unbelievable- I hope they do pull this move.
Comment by WiscoDuk — March 26, 2006 @ 11:24 am
Karl Rove might be evil, but he isn’t stupid. I don’t think it will happen. But, I hope you’re right. Then we’d see a landslide victory in 2008. Though, we might anyway. They don’t have anyone that anyone trusts anymore.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:31 amabout condi in 08 - on meet the press, timmy ended the “grilling” by asking her about replacing cheney then running for pres. - she denied and denied but ended with “i don’t think it will happen” (that word think was barely audible - so i may be wrong - don’t think so) …
so, in bush-world where the opposite is fact, she’s running in 08.
by the way - i caught this only during a commercial break of my ritual sunday morning cultural fix on cbs…dada is awsome!
March 26th, 2006 at 11:33 amDr Rice does have to speak on what she is officially given from the Afgan government. She cannot use “Unnamed source #1″ or “Top official” like the media can (Jayson Blair specials). If during her visit she was told by officials that it had nothing to do with his mental state, that’s what she has to say. If she started going around stating things contrary to what she was officially told it would do a whole lot of damage in terms of foreign policy/contacts.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:35 amKaty thanks for the crazy 911 video link. Sorry for the O/T
March 26th, 2006 at 11:40 amIf she started going around stating things contrary to what she was officially told it would do a whole lot of damage in terms of foreign policy/contacts.
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 11:35 am
Don’t be naive. She works for the guy who bombed a country that had not attacked us or intended to attack us. Clearly foreign policy is not a concern for her boss. They have a do what they will andthe rest of the world be damned attitude.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:41 amPersonally, I just don’t know why Condi or anyone else in the administration still has any credibility left. In any other normal situation, if someone lied (or made as many mistakes as Condi), they would just be laughed off as someone completely unbelievable. I guess it helps to have nice shoes. She’d be much better off as a Fox news correspondent.
March 26th, 2006 at 11:45 amNo doubt- I have often posted calling him “evil-genius”.
But consider this- The “hot bed” of our current foreign policy lies in the middle- east. We have a very good idea of the general feeling towards women in most of those countries. (Not sure how “they†view black folks.) How wise was it to appoint a woman to the high profile position of Sec. of State?
March 26th, 2006 at 11:46 amSo is your point that she should use heresay and state it as fact (Because they don’t care about foreign policy)?
March 26th, 2006 at 11:50 amSo is your point that she should use heresay and state it as fact (Because they don’t care about foreign policy)?
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 11:50 am
No, my point is that your argument isn’t consistent with Bush politics.
Personally, I think she should tell the truth. Or just not do the interview until she can. Flat out lying is just digging the hole deeper. Because now, if we do have a real crisis, who will believe it?
March 26th, 2006 at 11:54 ama quote from an Asia Times article:
as with many things bush, the end they desire is misguided and will cause only more death to innocent civilians, an increase in the strength of anti-americanism, and ultimately, the death or overthrow of karzai.
have a nice day!
oh, and fuck bush
March 26th, 2006 at 11:56 amHow wise was it to appoint a woman to the high profile position of Sec. of State?
Comment by WiscoDuk — March 26, 2006 @ 11:46 am
I am a woman. I am for competent female leadership, because in countries where women are electable to the highest office in the nation, the country actually flourishes (in terms of health, jobs and lack of crime). However, I am not naive as to think that there are those in this country who still do not value women or other ‘minorities’ as credible.
I don’t care what any other country thinks of who we elect in terms of gender or skin color. It is there problem if they see those traits as inferior, not ours. It hasn’t stopped England, India, Germany, etc.
Now, if she were a good leader, I’d support her replacing Cheney. I hate that man (and I really don’t go around hating people). But she’s just another shade of fundamentalist Republican beige…
March 26th, 2006 at 11:59 amHow wise was it to appoint a woman to the high profile position of Sec. of State?
Comment by WiscoDuk
Yeah that Bush, putting a Woman into a position of power, damn him!!!!
Only white males should hold that position or really any position with any authority.
March 26th, 2006 at 12:05 pm#35
Sorry my Sarcasm tag didn’t go through
March 26th, 2006 at 12:07 pmPersonally, I think she should tell the truth.
I would argue she told the truth to the best of her ability.
Or just not do the interview until she can.
If everyone followed that there would only be about 10% of the news we have. Might make things easier to follow though.
Flat out lying is just digging the hole deeper.
How is she flat out lying? By not using the AP as her official source? By not quoting a bunch of unnamed sources?
My faith in the press was lost a long time ago. I trust what they say about as much as most of the people here trust what Bush says.
March 26th, 2006 at 12:13 pmCondi says the question of mental incompetence has not beenraised here, as far as I understand. The problem is, the “reach” of her understanding goes about an inch past her lying lips. “No one could have imagined that terrorists would fly a plane into the WTC.” “It was a historical document.” Condi is a VERY BAD LIAR. “Constitutional expectations”? Well, we have them too. But BushCo just ignores them, so why would we believe that they care about anyone else’s? It’s just a bunch of noise that has no meaning. Just shut your hole Condi, you are making a draft.
March 26th, 2006 at 12:44 pmUnbelievable,
Please don’t get me wrong on the gender statement. I can see how my comment might be construed as “sexistâ€. My apologies if there was any offense taken. I agree with you 100% in your #34 post.
Unfortunately, there is truth in what I stated. There have been leaders that have refused to shake her hand because she is a woman. Let alone listen to what she has to say. (Whether we agree with her statements or not.) Given current circumstances facing middle-east policies, unfortunately, a male in that position would have been a wiser choice.
Also- In a re-read of my post. I can see where the term “black folks†might be taken as raciest. I assure you, I’m anything but. I grew up in a predominately black neighborhood in Detroit Mi. Most all of my childhood friends were black (and many current). Several members of my family are black also.
March 26th, 2006 at 12:55 pmMy faith in the press was lost a long time ago. I trust what they say about as much as most of the people here trust what Bush says.
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 12:13 pm
Yeah, I feel the same way. The corporate media have been carrying Bush’s water for six years, and they value their “access” and tax cuts more than anything else.
So is your point that she should use heresay and state it as fact (Because they don’t care about foreign policy)? Tundra
Well, she has been caught “using hearsay” before (drones of death, mobile weapons factories, a cooperative link between Saddam and Bin Laden), so why not?
March 26th, 2006 at 12:59 pmUnfortunately, there is truth in what I stated. There have been leaders that have refused to shake her hand because she is a woman. Let alone listen to what she has to say.
Wisco, I am curious as to what we do with these countries? Do we prevent a woman from associating with them? Do we not give a woman that kind of position because “Some Other” country may not like it?
March 26th, 2006 at 1:05 pmPlease don’t get me wrong on the gender statement. I can see how my comment might be construed as “sexistâ€. My apologies if there was any offense taken. I agree with you 100% in your #34 post.
Comment by WiscoDuk — March 26, 2006 @ 12:55 pm
No offense taken. Just wanted to clarify my position on the issue.
I happen to believe that if these countries are forced to deal with women leaders, they will, in time, become used to it. They’ll have no choice. Kind of how women gained rights in thei country, and blacks and recently, the gay movement. It’s about exposure. In showing that gender and skin color and sexual-orientation don’t matter in getting the job done.
March 26th, 2006 at 1:24 pmI would argue she told the truth to the best of her ability.
That’s funny.
If everyone followed that there would only be about 10% of the news we have. Might make things easier to follow though.
Nonsense. Where do you get 10%?
How is she flat out lying? By not using the AP as her official source? By not quoting a bunch of unnamed sources?
Uh, by not being truthful… you know - facts. I learned that in Corporate America. Just stick to the facts. Saves you the headache in the long run.
My faith in the press was lost a long time ago. I trust what they say about as much as most of the people here trust what Bush says.
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 12:13 pm
Unfortunately, people like my mother still fall for it hook, line and sinker - and therein lies the danger. She’s the Average American.
March 26th, 2006 at 1:28 pmI happen to believe that if these countries are forced to deal with women leaders, they will, in time, become used to it.
Where does our tolerance for their beliefs fall into play? Or does it?
March 26th, 2006 at 1:28 pmI am curious as to what we do with these countries? Do we prevent a woman from associating with them? Do we not give a woman that kind of position because “Some Other†country may not like it?
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 1:05 pm
When Maddy Albright was in the position, it wasn’t a problem, because we hadn’t yet announced our “crusade” (the president’s exact words, if you remember) and branded eveyone who wasn’t “with us” as being “a’gin us”. We still had international consensus on our side, and twenty three hundred servicemen were still alive. I believe she even went to “axis of evil” countries, did she not? Oh, yeah, I forgot; it’s all Clinton’s fault.
March 26th, 2006 at 1:32 pmDano,
I realize Bush is 100% evil and the source of every problem (Fine accepted). My question is what do we do now? Do we stop women from being in that position? Do we conviently choose people who are not women for the post? Do we force other countries to deal with women regardless of what they think (Throwing our beliefs and ways on them)?
March 26th, 2006 at 1:41 pmAbdul Wakil Omeri, a spokesman for the Supreme Court, confirmed to AP that the case had been dismissed because of “problems with the prosecutors’ evidence.”
Evidence that it was against the law in accordance with the constitution?
“It is the job of the attorney general’s office to decide if he is mentally fit to stand trial,” he told AP.
So, it’s not his job or the Supreme courts place, but if that is an issue and in question then it would be the attorney general to sort out?
“The case, because of some technical as well as legal flaws and shortcomings, has been referred back to the prosecutor’s office,” the judge, Ansarullah Mawlavizada, told Reuters.
Legal flaws, possibly it was against their constitution?
that is pretty much all that is said in the article that has a real source, dealing with this post (Around 10% of the actual information listed).
Even this post isn’t stating the facts.Actually, according to officials, Rahman is being released merely due to a “lack of evidence,â€
I saw noone say the only reason was lack of evidence. I see technical flaws, shortcomings and evidence so far.
March 26th, 2006 at 1:52 pmTundra, (#41 response)
I’m not going to get roped into a blanket statement here. This issue is as complex as any other facing world politics. The same could be said for “them” not listening to non-Muslims. I also think you are taking me out of context. What I stated originally alluded to Condi being a wise choice given current circumstances. #’s 42 & 45 stated my exact personal feelings.
If we’re playing “tit for tat†response again- Check and mate. You win this one. (I think we’re 1 and 1 now?)
March 26th, 2006 at 2:05 pmIf we’re playing “tit for tat†response again- Check and mate. You win this one. (I think we’re 1 and 1 now?)
Actually I think it’s 2-1 your favor. BUT
*Does the Cabbage Patch*
March 26th, 2006 at 2:18 pm“oh, no what’s this???
*Moves into the Sprinkler*
“Is there stopping him???”
*Slides seemlessly into the Robot*
Where does our tolerance for their beliefs fall into play? Or does it?
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 1:28 pm
I think it was Worfeus who used the phrase that “Your right to swing ends where my nose begins”.
When their beliefs undermine our Constitution, and frankly, respect for our culture, we have to go with our Constitution and our culture. Now, we aren’t talking about being in their faces with the intent to cause them harm or anything intentional. We’re talking about being ourselves. And in our country, discrimination for gender is illegal and unacceptable.
March 26th, 2006 at 2:19 pmWe the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,
March 26th, 2006 at 2:34 pmestablish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common
defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to
ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the
United States of America.
#5 - “Apparently, the same folks who encourage Christian orthodoxy at home are calling for religious tolerance in Afghanistan.” - AvengingAngel
***** As far as I know, Michelle Malkin et al have not called for the death penalty for those converting from Christianity to Judaism, Islam, paganism or atheism. Such intolerance!!!!!
March 26th, 2006 at 3:05 pm#50 Unbelievable,
I agree with you on this one. My thoughts (Not wanting to put words in your mouth) are (On the issue of should we allow a woman to be sec of state):
We do what we do and if they can’t deal with it, tough it’s their problem.
March 26th, 2006 at 3:26 pmWe do what we do and if they can’t deal with it, tough it’s their problem.
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 3:26 pm
I get what you are saying. It’s a tough line to balance between being true to ourselves and repectful to other cultures. I hope there is a way to do both. There isn’t always an obvious solution or choice.
If they can’t deal with it? In what regard? They refuse to let her in their country? Wouldn’t look so good for them to the rest of teh Industrialized world. So I wonder if they would ever be so blunt.
I suppose that you, if you were President, would know this situation and try to difuse it without comrpromising the position. Are there white men equally qualified for the role? (Funny question I never imagind asking)… Yes. Would you as President condier that. Probably. Just the nature of the beast as much as I don’t like it, I realize that life cannot always be fair and just.
What would you do?
March 26th, 2006 at 3:33 pmP.S. Soory for the typos… cat in my lap and the monitor is too far away to read this teeny tiny text in the window that well…
March 26th, 2006 at 3:35 pmWhat would you do?
Tough question, If I felt Dr Rice was the best choice I think (speculation) I would go with her and hope that international pressure would keep the countries that didn’t like it in check.
March 26th, 2006 at 3:43 pmTough question, If I felt Dr Rice was the best choice I think (speculation) I would go with her and hope that international pressure would keep the countries that didn’t like it in check.
Comment by Tundra — March 26, 2006 @ 3:43 pm
As far as I can tell, that seems to be the case now. And, well, they haven’t restricted her access… yet :)
March 26th, 2006 at 3:49 pmOf course, a tangental argument was addressed…par for the course….
March 26th, 2006 at 4:16 pmLooks like you tangental arguement was addressed and disproved mighty aphrodite.
March 26th, 2006 at 4:24 pmLooks like you tangental arguement was addressed and disproved mighty aphrodite.
Comment by Spudge_Boy — March 26, 2006 @ 4:24 pm
100%
March 26th, 2006 at 4:53 pm#45 - dano347,
March 26th, 2006 at 6:47 pmMadeline Albright was a female Secretary of State. The chief difference between her and Kindasleaze is that Madeline told the truth. Condi is a sleazebag. Can’t utter two words without lying.
With all the call for Dick Cheney to resign and condi to take his place earlier in the thread, if the democrats take either house all bets are off, She would have to take the oath, since she was up for confirmation, and all questions are germane so she would be open to explain way too much. With out the repug lap dogs to provide cover where they hold the hearings with out any truth sought then the whole range of policy which condi was part of from the lack of appropriate responses to the aug 6th memo, run up the Iraq war, and complete fiasco of Iraq and Afghanistan would be rehashed which could only produce negative headlines for bush and push his numbers into “Cheney” territory.
March 26th, 2006 at 7:31 pmOne of these days Pierce Bush will be our President.
March 27th, 2006 at 6:42 pmIt is such inhumane that these afghanis control the human freedom. A man has freedom to believe any thing one wants.
March 27th, 2006 at 6:57 pmI keep telling you that you need to invest in a dictionary. For someone who claims to be an attorney, your general spelling, grammar and vocabulary skills better match an undisciplined high school student than someone with an advanced degree.
Comment by Ryan Neat — March 26, 2006 @ 5:16 pm
I thought she was drunk half of the time too…
March 28th, 2006 at 9:52 am