Religious Freedom Commission Poised to Point Finger at Some U.S. Allies
by Mary Rettig
April 28, 2006
(AgapePress) - - U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chairman Michael Cromartie notes that the Commission has concerns about some of America's allies in the war on terror. He says an upcoming report will highlight problems regarding religious liberty in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. While the United States is waging "this very important war on terror," Cromartie says, "some of the countries that are our allies are also countries that have their own problems with religious extremism." Under these circumstances, he notes, "you have to do a delicate diplomatic dance with what to say about such countries."
Currently, the chairman points out, eight nations are listed by the Commission as "Countries of Particular Concern," which is a label most regimes do not want. "There are a few countries, like North Korea, that don't care what we say about anything," he admits, "but then again, there are countries that take very seriously if they're labeled as repressive and unfree towards religious believers."
While the "Countries of Particular Concern" tag does not force the United States to take any specific action, Cromartie says the Commission's annual reports often serve as diplomatic leverage with countries that are on the list.
"The purpose of such a list," the State Department official emphasizes, "is to point out the human rights abuses in those countries, to call attention to them, and to give a marker for countries to conform to. In many cases, we've actually seen countries trying to do better because of abuses that have been pointed out to them."
The upcoming report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which is scheduled to come out next week, will not spare U.S. allies that are involved in religious oppression, Cromartie notes. He says the Commission's report will raise concerns about Islamic extremism in Pakistan and denial of rights to non-Muslims in Afghanistan and will also call for tougher measures against religious persecution in Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and China.
Mary Rettig, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
