London's Daily Telegraph reports that the Islamist rulers of Gaza are pushing aggressively to enforce Islamic Sharia law on local residents (Hat Tip: Jihad Watch).
The trend toward religious fundamentalism preceded the Hamas takeover. In recent years, hardliners have burned down the cinemas. Their charred remains are still visible in Gaza City. Militants blew up the last bar in 2005.This is the danger that awaits every Arab Muslim country that is currently undergoing regime change. If the Islamists are successful, it will be back to the 8th century for most of this region, with religious wars aimed at Israel and at the region's few remaining Christians, and a continuing cycle of poverty in the countries currently undergoing regime change. If you think that those currently revolting won't tolerate it, recall how Wael Ghonim was treated in Cairo last Friday when he was barred from the stage when Yusuf al-Qaradawi was speaking. Imagine if this whole region becomes like Iran and Gaza.
Gaza women, whose attire once varied from Western pants and skirts to colourful traditional embroidered robes, began donning ankle-length loose robes. Women with face veils, once rarely seen in Gaza, are now a common sight.
After winning the 2006 election, Hamas vowed it wouldn't impose Islamic law. But within two years, bureaucrats began ordering changes that targeted secular Gaza residents.
Today, plainclothes officers sometimes halt couples in the streets, demanding to see marriage licenses. Last year, the Interior Ministry banned women from smoking water pipes in public. Islamic faith does not ban women from smoking, but it is considered taboo in Gaza society.
"In the end, the people who think differently are leaving," said Rami, a 32-year-old activist in one of Gaza's few secular groups. He refused to give his last name, fearing retribution.
Elly SorensenYes, this is the disturbing threat if (and when) Islamic radical groups take over in these countries, and we can do nothing - ”This is the danger that awaits every Arab Muslim country that is currently undergoing regime changeDenial on Islamic Law is a Lie
”PMW: Hamas's ...
5769, 26 December
(IsraelNN.com) Hamas leaders in Gaza have denied a report in the London-based Al-Hayyat according to which the group plans to institute an Islamic penal code including punishments such as crucifixion, lashes and amputations. However, according to the Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) organization, the group is lying.
via facebook.com
According to the Omam times:
“We will not intervene in any aspect of Palestinian life ... except to convince people in a polite way,” said Mahmoud Ramahi, a member of the Hamas politburo who won a seat in the new parliament. “We are making efforts so that the Sharia will be the source of legislation, but in order to implement Islamic rule, this needs a state. When we get a state, we will leave it to people to choose,” he said in an interviewI wonder, under Sharia law, what happens to people who didn't make a choice Ramahi agreed with?
