Iraq's constitution delayed three days

It looks like little consensus could be reached over the controversial draft of the Iraqi constitution. TalkLeft points to the full text and comments on the myriad of voices that seem to be writing it: "In other places, it sounds like it is trying to be all things to all people. One example:

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Article Two

The political system is republican, parliamentary, democratic and federal.
1. Islam is a main source for legislation.
-- a. No law may contradict Islamic standards.
-- b. No law may contradict democratic standards.
-- c. No law may contradict the essential rights and freedoms mentioned in this constitution."

Meanwhile, Arianna Huffington criticizes the NY Times' coverage of Chalabi's participation:

"Just look at today's above-the-fold, front-page story on Iraq's constitution. It's headlined 'Leaders in Iraq Report Progress on Constitution.'

Who are those 'leaders'? Once again, Ahmad Chalabi and an American official speaking 'on condition of anonymity.' And Chalabi is simply identified as 'the deputy prime minister.'

The deputy prime minister? That's it? That's like doing a piece on the energy bill and citing one of your main sources as 'Ken Lay, a prominent Houston businessman.'

And Echidne offers insightful commentary on the potential threat to women's rights under Shariah law: "In other words, Iraq and other countries such as Afghanistan are viewed as outdated forms of our own country. Medieval, perhaps. But with the passage of time surely these countries will emulate what took place in the West? And if not, well, the men who are making the U.S. decisions right now are unlikely to suffer." (TalkLeft, Huffington Post, Echidne of the Snakes)