February 28, 2009

Washington, D.C. – The Institute on Religion and Public Policy denounces the decision of Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to impose Shariah law in an effort to halt fighting between Somali forces and Islamic insurgents.

"Giving in to the rebels' demands and imposing Shariah law lets the extremists win in Somalia," stated Institute President Joseph K. Grieboski. "Somalia is a failed state, and the imposition of Shariah law will only guarantee that it remains so. Once imposed, it will be impossible for Somalia to progress toward a liberal democratic system."

According to CNN, Sharif told a news conference he would not agree to a strict interpretation of the law, which forbids girls from attending school, requires veils for women and beards for men, and bans music and television.

"The imposition of Shariah law will not guarantee peace – whether in Somalia or Pakistan," Grieboski continued. "It will only guarantee that the people move from oppression by armed insurgents to oppression by bearded clerics."

Institute on Religion and Public Policy