Very cool news, not getting much airtime:



Afghan President Signs New Constitution





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.



It also recognizes minority language rights, although it gives few powers to its far-flung provinces. Some critics warn it could give too much power to religious hard-liners in the supreme court.



The United States welcomed the constitution as a 'turning point' that would help return the rule of law to a land still dominated by warlords.



'We are witness to a major milestone in putting behind the era of the rule of the gun,' U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said in a statement.