December 17, 2002

There is a standoff between Islamic conservatives and reformers over how to proceed. Reformers, who control the legislature, have held back on putting forward laws that would strip the Islamic groups with veto power over legislation. To vote on this law would be seen as a declaration of war by the Islamic minority (20-30 percent of the population). No one wants a civil war, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid it. The Islamic conservatives are led by many corrupt leaders who have ruined the economy. But many of the Islamic conservative rank and file are true believers and would eagerly kill those considered less religious (reformers).