Iraq Shi'ite Political Leaders Try to Contain Sadr (Iraqies getting their act together)

Reuters ^ | Tue, May 04, 2004 | Khaled Yacoub Oweis

[Eurotwit]

"It is a shame to ask the occupation forces to solve this problem," Shi'ite leader Mohammad Bahr al-Uloum told a meeting of Shi'ite parties, including those on the Governing Council.

"We are taking a clear stand: Najaf and Kerbala must be disarmed. These are holy cities that must have a Vatican (news - web sites)-like status," he added. ----

Promising signs.

[oceanview]

could be something. I hope so, we need some good news.

I still don't think it gets diffused without at least one "big" battle against these Sadr militiamen.

[No Blue States]

I agre, a good sign.

"Sadr, aged about 30, derives his authority from his father, Ayatollah Mohammed Sadeq al-Sadr, who paid with his life for defying Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) from within Iraq. He and two elder sons were murdered there in 1999, probably by the dictator's agents."

So Saddam killed this guys dad and 2 brothers, I didnt know that. Yet he hates the USA who kept Saddam from doing this to any more famlies?

[Uncle Miltie]

"The Najaf seminary is also playing a discrete role," he said, adding that Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's aides were in talks with Sadr. Sistani is the most influential Shi'ite spiritual leader in Iraq."

Every time I look, Sistani provides a steady hand, with an eye towards stability, democracy and separation of Mosque and State.

[BushisTheMan]

About darn time!

Until and unless the Iraqis start taking care of their own crap, I'm not going to support them. I'm really ticked these days at their lack of support for the military that freed them.

Of course, these guys don't wear their Sadr uniforms anymore because a few have been killed by locals who want them gone.

[Dog]

fyi..

[ken5050]

The Shia are gettig the message..either they do it, or they get an ex-saddam Sunni general as their next mayor..

[oceanview]

too few, they should have gotten more of them. they have been using drive by shootings, we ought to send the Crips and the Bloods in there as special forces to show them how its done!

[oceanview]

I'd have General Saleh start eating at the Najaf Burger King once or twice a week to send the message louder.

[ken5050]

Yup..he loves the smoked sausage..

[AQGeiger]

When Hussein was first overthrown, al-Sadr was very happy with the United States, because he saw it as an opportunity. He knew he couldn't beat Hussein by himself, so he supported the Americans while they took care of it.

It was only after Hussein was out of the way that al-Sadr became openly anti-American, because at that point he wanted U.S. forces to leave and let him make his power grab.

[Frank_Discussion]

I support them, but do not respect them as a group. They have to take care of themselves, and we're teaching them how. You have to remember that under Saddam, the government took care of everything, though that often was not the greatest of bargains. Now they look to our troops to do everything, but that will change.

[No Blue States]

Thanks for the history and helping me understand that AQGeiger. He is only looking out for himself and doesnt care about Iraqis.

[oceanview]

reminds me of the Clintons!

[Cap Huff]

The hint of a step in the right direction.

Thanks for the ping, Dog, and thanks for the post, Eurotwit.

[No Blue States]

Reminds me of Clintons attitude toward to Israelis too during his term.

[AQGeiger]

You are most welcome for the former and exactly correct on the latter.

[theFIRMbss]

?the brewing crisis involving the anti-U.S. cleric and the country's holiest cities

In the Muslim world,
is there even one city
that is not "holy?"

[alley cat]

Iran, which backs almost all Shi'ite political forces in Iraq (news - web sites), earlier said the United States should leave the politicians to solve the problem instead of inflaming the situation by trying to arrest Sadr.

Iran needs to Shut The F Up.

[ambrose]

Every time I look, Sistani provides a steady hand, with an eye towards stability, democracy and separation of Mosque and State.

Let's hope he is well guarded.