Nah- this is press hyperbole.
The Iraqis will NOT become another Iran if they use Islam as the moral code for their legal system and give clerics an advisory role. "Officially" recognizing clerical advisors as part of the new secular representative government is wise and natural in this culture, and the only way Islam (which unlike Christianity has political as well as spiritual role) will evolve in the modern world (aka, enlightenment...hopefully).
Remember Iraq is an experiment in finding a new, democratic, but "middle way" ... not to clone "our way". Do you want muslim clerics inside the Iraqi parliamentary process...or outside- resenting, and plotting to discredit and challenge it?
And remember when you read these press pieces, that this is the same press corps that considers Pres Bush to be a simple minded fundamentalist and the US to be in danger of Christian theocracy if we have 5 conservatives on the Supreme Court.
"And remember when you read these press pieces, that this is the same press corps that considers Pres Bush to be a simple minded fundamentalist and the US to be in danger of Christian theocracy if we have 5 conservatives on the Supreme Court."
I know, and that is why this better not be true. But if it is, and these concessions are being made by our US reps over there, well...I just don't have the words necessary to publish proper here without the expletives.
OTH, if it is a falsehood, Reuters will be totally discredited for good in my view.
That is a the biggest problem (among many) with Islam. Unlike Christianity, Islam recognizes no distinction in purpose, really, between the state and clerical authorities. Thus religious freedom and freedom of speech is a myth in most countries where Islam plays a role in governance.
In this case I don't know what other options we have. The Iraqi population will flatly reject any governing document that does not include Islam as its governing spirit, if not its reality. However, allow Islam too much governing rope and it will strangle the country of freedom. It is a very, very tough situation.
The Iraqis will NOT become another Iran if they use Islam as the moral code for their legal system and give clerics an advisory role.
If memory serves this is what Sistani has been talking about.