The Christian Afghan

This story has only grown in its import.

George Bush and Tony Perkins have done well, thus far. The New York Times has not.

The New York Times:

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 23 — Despite growing international concern, the judge presiding over the prosecution of an Afghan man facing the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity said today that international pressure would not affect his rulings in the case.

The Washington Times:

WHEELING, W. Va. -- President Bush yesterday said he was "deeply" troubled by the trial in Afghanistan of a Christian who could face execution for converting from Islam and vowed to pressure the Afghan government on the matter.

The A.P.:

KABUL, Afghanistan - Senior Muslim clerics demanded Thursday that an Afghan man on trial for converting from Islam to Christianity be executed, warning that if the government caves in to Western pressure and frees him, they will incite people to "pull him into pieces."

The New York Times Editorial page asked:

What's the point of the United States' propping up the government of Afghanistan if it's not even going to pretend to respect basic human rights?

Then, troublingly concluded:

If Afghanistan wants to return to the Taliban days, it can do so without the help of the United States.

Which was a damnable and repugnant conclusion for the newspaper that's September 11th coverage in her home town was so praise-worthy.

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council stated the problem more elloquently:

"How can we congratulate ourselves for liberating Afghanistan from the rule of jihadists only to be ruled by radical Islamists who kill Christians?" Mr. Perkins said.

This may be one of the most difficult spots in which George W. Bush has found himself -- and that is saying something. Morality and an active Christian base force the president to bring this to a confrontation. Foreign policy and increasing trouble in Afghanistan complicate the potential consequences. I don't envy the president. It would be worth saying a prayer for him and Mr. Rahman.