Muqtada al-Sader eager to cooperate (but wants to form "al-Mahdi Army" in Iraq?)

Arabic News ^ | November 3rd, 2003

[Sabertooth]

The Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sader had considered "Saddam Hussein and his followers as the enemy of Iraq, rather than the Americans," whom he described as "guests" in Iraq.

In a statement circulated in al-Najaf city and the Iraqi daily published excerpts of its yesterday, al-Sader said that Americans are "peace loving people" and the existence of the American forces in Iraq are "that of guests," calling for that the "holy month of Ramadan will be 'the month of meeting of Iraqis and Americans in circles of peace and amity'."

Al-Sader stressed the need of preventing "bloodshed and wars and terrorism so as to have tolerance and amity among peoples." He called on the Americans to open the way for attending their councils and seminars, camps and churches.

The American forces had recently detained several associates for Muqtada al-Sader and prevented worshippers from heading to certain Shiite mosques. Recently al-Sader sought to form what he called "al-Mahdi army and a shadow government."

Previous Stories:
  American detention acts in Iraqi cities; explosion in Baghdad, UN withdraws employees   (10/31/2003)
  Political survey on Iraqi attitudes   (10/29/2003)
  The Guardian: Memorandum of arrest against Muqtada al-Sader   (10/24/2003)
  A campaign against Iraq's Muqtada al-Sader   (10/17/2003)
  Inter-Iraqi fighting in Kerbala; al-Sader will suppress any sedition with Seistani   (10/15/2003)

[Sabertooth]

Hmmm...

Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, a few of us Freepers became aware that Ramadan 2003 had special prophetic significance to certain Islamic sects.

They are awaiting a spiritual avatar known as the Twelfth Mahdi, who will lead Muslims to great victories in war over the infidels.

It's believed that this Mahdi will appear during a Ramadan with both a Solar and a Lunar Eclipse. This double Ramadan eclipse will occur this year, for the first time since 1786, and won't occur again until 2155.

For those Muslims who place any credence in this prophecy, this year's Ramadan is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Therefore, acts of mega-terrorism might be more likely during this time. The Lunar Eclipse of November 9th and the Solar Eclipse of November 23rd may indicate days where particular vigilance is warranted.

< -excerpt- >
Islam Eclipse Now? - Ramadan 2003 and Muslim Prophecy

[zarf]

al-Sader said that Americans are "peace loving people"...

One Arabian lead slug to the brain coming up....

[Sabertooth]

Mahdi news in Iraq.

The Shiities are the ones looking for the Twelfth Mahdi during a Ramadan with a double eclipse.

[Dog]

I don't trust Sadr...

seamole......Sadr wants to be our buddy now..

[Pubbie]

I wouldn't be concerned about Muslim "Prophets".

Anyway, we should start getting these various clerics on our side by using $$$ in order to start cracking down on the Baathist holdouts.

[El Conservador]

Hey, at least he's Shiite!!!

if his Mahdi army will take care of the Sunni Saddam boys, hey, go for it!!!

And if American-equipped, much better!!!

[Sabertooth]

Three weeks ago, Karbala -- a holy Shiite city south of Baghdad -- provided a potent example of the clerical domination of the political landscape in today's Iraq.

An estimated one million pilgrims gathered on Oct. 11 to mark the birthday of Mohammed al-Mahdi, the last of the 12 Shiite imams, or saints, who disappeared in the 9th century but are believed by devout Shiites to be waiting to return and rule the world.

The more pious among those who thronged the ancient city came on foot from Shiite towns and villages across southern Iraq, where Shiites make up the overwhelming majority. The rest came in buses, pickup trucks and even horse-drawn carts, carrying portraits of their revered imams.

The faithful multitudes, mostly poor Iraqis who cannot afford a hotel room, spent their night at the plaza of the domed shrine of Imam Hussein, or "Prince of the Martyrs," whose 7th century slaying during battle in Karbala launched the Shiite sect. Most others spent the night on the sidewalks and streets, using blankets they brought along for beds.

The celebrations, however, took place against a political backdrop.

< -snip- >

Sheik Zein el-Abidin, a cleric who supports radical Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, was on duty at one checkpoint. With a designer holster and pistol visible from under his clerical robe, he proudly declared himself a "platoon commander from the Imam al-Mahdi Army," a militia set up by al-Sadr which his aides now say is the nucleus for a self-styled government he declared Oct. 10.
Clerics Playing Larger Role
Associated Press - November 1st, 2003

So, Muqtada al-Sadr, who wants to form the "al-Mahdi army and a shadow government," formed that army and government the day before the birthday of the Mahdi?

[jayef]

Paul Attreides? Is that you? Muad Dib?

[techcor]

According to Islam for Beginers or some such , prior to the Mahdi appearing Muslims will be misled by 30 evil clerics. I'm not sure what the term for the 30 evil clerics is though. Someone should explain that the muslim fanatics are following the 30 evil clerics and will be going to hell for it. Or to put it another way "Show me the Mahdi" if not they are whores for evil.

[buwaya]

I don't know about Ramadan, but it looks like Moqtada has trimmed his sails. Maybe his elders scared him somehow.

[colorado tanker]

That's all we need - a bunch of looney, er luner muslims.

On the other hand, the pressure on Sadr must be working for him to change his tune like this.

[section9]

Sadr wants power.

Sadr, along with the other Shi'ite clerics, places no trust in the ability of an Iraqi central government to withstand a Ba'athist attempt at a Restoration.

And so, as with the Kurds, he is seeking secret assurances that in return for cooperation now, his people will be plentifully armed later if the Ba'athists rise and the time comes to settle accounts with the Saddam crowd.

Methinks we might have made him an offer that he couldn't refuse. Now if only the Sunni would wake up and smell the coffee...

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Travis McGee]

When these guys are smiling at you, they're looking at your throat.

[anglian]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1004250/posts

[Mo1]

In a statement circulated in al-Najaf city and the Iraqi daily published excerpts of its yesterday, al-Sader said that Americans are "peace loving people" and the existence of the American forces in Iraq are "that of guests," calling for that the "holy month of Ramadan will be 'the month of meeting of Iraqis and Americans in circles of peace and amity'."

So what does he REALLY want?