While some experts are growing concerned over the militant segments of the Shi’ite Muslim majority’s role in the new Iraqi government, UGA religion professor Alan Godlas assuages fears. He tells Voice of America that “it would be wise for anyone to have concern, but there’s no cause for alarm.” The Iraqis’ repression of recent decades will also lead them to respect human rights, he adds: “Having gone through the tortures, the Iraqis are very sensitive to wanting to avoid having a government that’s violating human rights,” he says. “Nevertheless, given the volatile situation we can expect that there will be abuses. I think we should be horrified at any reports of torture, but I’m optimistic that these will be exceptions.”
