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.
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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
