I had this discussion with someone about the dilution of beer. If I dilute your beer 1 part beer, 99 parts water you'd be pretty sure it wasn't beer. If your beer is diluted only 99 parts beer to 1 part water I doubt you'd even know it.
In this same manner, religious police have existed in the U.S. IMO, anytime a secular force that is motivated by religious principle, and has both the power and the will to impose such principles on those don't hold them, by force, we should say that it has aspects of being some part religious police.
Since the civil infrastructure can't pay the police to enforce secular law in Afghanistan, the mullahs hire people who would normally fulfill that role in society under the auspices of religious orthodoxy. Countries that are led by leaders adhering to religious dogma, have a blur between normal civilian, military, police, secular and religious roles.
That's why it is different largely in degree and not kind, IMO. |
