INTERVIEW
Iraq ’s
Future: “Freedom and Democracy”
By
George Thomas
CWNews
April 29, 2005
CWNews.org
– Iraq 's National Assembly approved a partial
cabinet on April 28. One of the new government's first tasks
will be to draft a constitution.
I interviewed a prominent Iraqi Christian now involved in the
government. Under Saddam Hussein’s rule, he was jailed.
We talked to him about the constitution and the future of religious
freedom in Iraq .
General Georges Hormuz Sada is a personal adviser to Iraq ’s
Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and an adviser to the new Iraqi army.
He is also the former President of the Evangelical Churches in
Iraq .
The Interview:
GEORGE THOMAS: General Sada, thanks so much for joining us.
You’re on Christian World News this week. You know that
in a couple of months Iraq is going to do something very historic:
write the new constitution. The first new constitution after
30 years of rule by Saddam Hussein. What are the chances that
this new constitution could enshrine Islamic law as the official
religion of Iraq ?
General Sada: You see, in the transitional administrative law—the
one which is still now running the country—it says Islam
is not the only source from which we can make items of the constitution
there, but it is one of the resources.
GEORGE THOMAS: You think the new constitution will include
other sources of law?
General Sada: Yes. It is mentioned there that other sources
of law are supposed to be included in the new constitution.
GEORGE THOMAS: What do you think those other sources of law
would be?
General Sada: In general, the laws of many other countries,
and even the Iraqi old law we can use and take any items. But
the most important thing is: the freedom of religions and worship
in the country will be put in the new constitution.
GEORGE THOMAS: Will Christians and other minority faith groups
be protected under this new constitution that is being written
today.
General Sada: Yes, sir.
GEORGE THOMAS: Without a doubt, you are confident?
General Sada: Oh, I am confident. Because it is mentioned in
the TAL again which is going to be, this is doing a new constitution
and therefore…
GEORGE THOMAS: So you see the transitional administrative law
as the basis and foundation for the new constitution and law?
General Sada; That’s true.
GEORGE THOMAS: You are a general, an influential man in Iraqi
society. You are also a Christian. What role are Christians playing
in forming and writing this new constitution?
General Sada: Some of the Christians will be members of the
committee which is going to be nominated after forming the new
government of Iraq . We call it transitional government. These
are going to participate, to write, and insure that our rights
are there in the constitution.
GEORGE THOMAS: As you’ve seen, since the fall of the
Saddam Hussein regime, there have been a number of attacks against
Christian people, whether it’s the bombing of their houses
of worship, their establishments, their businesses. Are Christians
today fearful about their stature in the Iraqi society?
General Sada: No. The Christians are there since the first
century, and Iraq belongs to them. In 634 A.D., when it was opened
by Islam, we are still there. But you see at times the condition
of the Christians is different. But we will stay there, we will
maintain there, and we will not be relenting.
GEORGE THOMAS: General, there have been some reports since
the fall of the regime that Christians have been leaving Iraq,
they’ve been going to Damascus, they’ve been going
to Amman, are you still hearing these reports. Do you know Christians
who have left because of the situation there?
General Sada: Yes, that’s true. Some of the Christians
left for Syria and Damascus trying to join their families when
the churches were bombed. About 17 churches were bombed in Baghdad
and Mosul , in the north of the country. But that doesn’t
mean all the Christians are gone. They’re a small number,
and not everybody can stand the conditions that are going on.
But mainly the Christians are there.
GEORGE THOMAS: Talk a little about the new Prime Minister Ibrahim
Al-Jafari. And the new President who’s been chosen, who
is a Kurd. Are Christians happy with these selections?
General Sada: Yes. This is the first time that in the history
of Iraq that a Kurd is to be the president for the country.
GEORGE THOMAS: It’s historic?
General Sada: Yes, that’s very historic. So the people,
those who believe in democracy and freedom, they are all very
happy—including Christians.
GEORGE THOMAS: Do you as an influential Iraqi person, do you
believe that democracy can come to your country?
General Sada: Definitely. 100%. The country has been put on
the right track and freedom and democracy are going to be the
future of my country.
GEORGE THOMAS: It is a pleasure that you’ve joined us
here on Christian World News. Thank you, sir
General Sada: Thank you, sir. I am proud that I am a servant
of Jesus Christ and one of His followers.
GEORGE THOMAS: Thank you, sir.
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