Remember, this is the official, Zionist-controlled AmeriKan War Daily version of what has occurred that is shit-shoveled your way, 'Murkn.
That's all, readers:
"Disaffected Shi'ites spurning dominant clerics in Iraq; Criticism mounts as basic services, economy suffer" by Sudarsan Raghavan, Washington Post | December 25, 2007
NAJAF, Iraq - After the US-led invasion in 2003, the marjaiya emerged as the greatest power in Iraq amid a flowering of religious freedom. Long repressed under Saddam Hussein, the clerics fashioned themselves as the guardians not just of the Shi'ites but also of Iraq's Islamic identity. They helped restore the luster of Najaf and Karbala, the holiest cities in the Shi'ite world. Today, Najaf is a center of Shi'ite political and economic power - rivaling in influence the capital, Baghdad - especially in southern Iraq.
The clerics eschewed taking a direct role in Iraq's government or establishing a theocracy like Iran's, preferring to provide what they call "advice and direction." But indirectly, the marjaiya, particularly Sistani, played a decisive role.
In 2004, Sistani intervened to stop battles in Najaf between US forces and the Mahdi Army of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, which had taken over the Imam Ali shrine. Sistani also successfully lobbied for quick elections, realizing that a popular vote would allow Iraq's majority Shi'ites to lead a legitimate government. His office later helped put together the United Iraqi Alliance, the leading Shi'ite religious coalition.
In 2005, the huge voter turnout and the widespread boycott by Sunni Arabs bolstered the clerics' influence, allowing them to shape Iraq's constitution through politicians. Today, politicians routinely travel to Najaf to seek Sistani's support and often invoke his name to push through policies.
But in 2006, with sectarian strife engulfing Iraq, the marjaiya came up against the limits of their power. Sistani's calls for restraint went unheard as the influence of Shi'ite militias grew.
The clerics' perspective is colored by their community's long history of repression by others, which has made them deeply suspicious of outsiders. They view the US occupation with mistrust, fearing that the Americans, wary of Iran's growing influence in the region, will never allow a Shi'ite-led Iraq to flourish."
Why wouldn't they view us with mistrust after we have betrayed and attacked them?
And the Shi'ite view the world correctly!
They must know about the AIPAC/Clean Break/PNAC agenda!
Also see:
Sistani is NON-VIOLENT!
"Mohammad Bahr al-Uloum, one of Iraq's most respected Shi'ite clerics, told Reuters:
"The Shi'ites are committed not to respond with violence, which will only lead to violence. We are determined on elections and Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has made this clear ."
Sistani is Iraq's most influential cleric and an advocate of non-violence."
Right from the NYT's very own mouth, readers!
Like they thought I would have forgotten after three years!
Also see: The Real Muqtada al-Sadr
