About Le Anne Clausen Expertise I can answer questions about human rights work as a vocation, human rights as they pertain to the Middle East and/or Muslim world, particularly Palestine/Israel, Iraq, and Afghanistan. While in Iraq, I helped to investigate prisoner abuses, including those at Abu Ghraib. I can also answer questions on women's rights in the Middle East. I cannot give you legal advice.
Experience I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, including Palestine, Israel, and Iraq. I also participated in a human rights delegation to Afghanistan in summer 2005. I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations, with special study on women's issues; I also worked one year for an Arab women's grassroots human rights organization. I am currently working to build an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization
Publications "Be the Healers" (considering next steps for addressing the Abu Ghraib scandal), July 2004 edition, "The Lutheran" magazine.
Also: www.christian-muslim.net; www.young-activist.blogspot.com; additional interviews and articles about me are available via Google search.
Question please help me answer this question: Why is it important to protect the right to disagree please elaborate on this. Thank you very much.....
Answer Greetings Tom, and thanks for your question. The 'right to disagree' is also known as the 'freedom of conscience.' This offers the freedom to speak in opposition to the leaders of one's community or nation, as well as in general daily life (as it's usually considered a 'given'). Basically, if your government or leadership is taking action that you believe is harmful or unwise, that you are able to offer an alternative perspective or option. For example:
Government: "Let's bomb this enemy country."
You: "No, that's not wise, a lot of innocent people would die."
You may not always get them to see your side, but at least you had the chance to try to persuade them. Space for opposing viewpoints and free debate make most decisions and leadership stronger, not weaker.
