Afghanistan 1998:

Dramatic public executions and amputations are increasingly being reported in Afghanistan this year, the latest phase in the Taleban's abuse of human rights in the country, Amnesty International said today.

In a new report, the organization states that people have been executed by being hanged, having their throats slit, or by having walls toppled on top of them. As well, people accused of theft have had one hand amputated.

"The death penalty is at all times the most extreme violation of the right to life, and when carried out as a form of public theatre can only serve to fuel a climate of violence and vengeance," Amnesty International said.

Worryingly, the executions have included five men convicted of sodomy -- a further sign that people who don't adhere to Taleban edicts will be singled out for harsh punishment.

The verdicts for both the executions and amputations have been passed by the Taleban's Shari'a courts where defendants do not receive a fair trial. Judges in these courts, many of whom are virtually untrained in law, reportedly base their judgements on a mixture of their personal understanding of Islamic law and a tribal code of honour prevalent in the Pastun areas.

Afghanistan 2004:

Karzai called out a triumphant "Congratulations!" to Afghan leaders who helped draw up the 162-article constitution and signed a decree making it the nation's supreme law in a ceremony at the Foreign Ministry.

Dignitaries, including former King Mohammed Zaher Shah, Cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats and military officers applauded.

In his decree, Karzai prayed the document would bring "prosperity for all and will ensure peace, equality and brotherhood" among the country's feuding ethnic groups.

Ratified Jan. 4 after a sometimes bruising debate at a 500-member loya jirga, or grand council, the text also declares men and women equal before the law.

The constitution is a strict departure from the harsh version of Islamic law enforced by the Taliban, who were ousted from power by U.S.-led forces more than two years ago.

The constitution outlines a tolerant, democratic Islamic republic under a strong presidency - as sought by Karzai, with strong backing from Washington - a two-chamber parliament and an independent judiciary.

Shame on anyone who was against the actions taken in the "War on Terror" to free the people of Afghanistan and Iraq.