Nice Bombs

Iraqi leaders trying to meet a U.S.-set deadline for finishing an interim constitution today faced disagreement on major issues, with several Shiites walking out of last-minute talks over the role of Islam on women's rights.

Members of the 25-member Iraqi Governing Council were trying to reach consensus on a charter that will serve as the basis of the legal system after the U.S.-led coalition returns sovereignty to the Iraqis on June 30.

But several hours of negotiations were halted late Friday after eight of 13 Shiite council members walked out over a decision not to make Islamic law the basis for issues like divorce and inheritance issues, according to Mahmoud Othman, a Sunni Kurd council member.

I don't think Islam should have much basis when drafting a new law for Iraq. Keep religion and government as separate as possible.