Cleric in Iran Says Shiites Must Act (in Iran)

The New York Times ^ | 4/26/03 | CRAIG S. SMITH

[browardchad]

AGHDAD, Iraq, April 25 — A religious edict issued in Iran and distributed to Shiite mullahs in Iraq calls on them "to seize the first possible opportunity to fill the power vacuum in the administration of Iraqi cities."

The edict, or fatwa, issued on April 8 by Kadhem al-Husseini al-Haeri, an Iraqi-born cleric based in the Iranian holy city of Qum, suggests that Shiite clerics in Iraq are receiving significant direction from Iran as they try to assert the power of Iraq's long-oppressed religious majority. It is not yet clear how much popular support Mr. Haeri and other clerics emerging as a political force have among Iraqis.

The United States has warned Iran not to meddle in Iraqi affairs, suggesting this week that Iranian agents have crossed into Iraq to destabilize the Shiite population. The possibility of a virulent burst of Shiite religious militancy appears to be a chief threat to American plans for a democratic system in Iraq.

The edict says that Shiite leaders have to "seize as many positions as possible to impose a fait accompli for any coming government." Using the familiar language of Iranian clerics often apply to the United States, the fatwa urges the Shiite clergy to work against American influence among Shiites.

[alnitak]

I don't see this being a long term threat. The way to deal with these people is by elections, which will allow multiple loci of power to be expressed. Iraq is not a homogeneous entity.

[green team 1999]

bump

[Lael]

"We are not concerned with what the Americans think of us," he said. "We do not deal with the Americans whatsoever."

Split the 4th ID...one half to Damascus, the other half to Tehran...

And, oh! yesss...

Time for the Military Tribunals, and genuine Pigskin Body Bags!!!

LET'S ROLL!!!

[Arthur McGowan]

What is the proper response to a religion which holds that its CLERICS must exercise civil power? Treat it as a totalitarian conspiracy against society.

[F.J. Mitchell]

If we allow these half witted critters to turn Iraq into another Iran, the pain of the people will be no less intense than under Saddam. The Demon's in charge will merely be more smug and self righteous.

[browardchad]

Treat it as a totalitarian conspiracy against society.

Good choice of words: definitely a conspiracy.

In the fatwa, Mr. Haeri urged his followers in Iraq to "kill all Saddamists who try to take charge" and "to cut short any chance of the return to power of second-line Baathists."

That clause in the fatwa may explain the killing two days later of a prominent pro-Western Shiite cleric brought to Najaf by American Special Forces in hopes of winning support from the Shiite clergy there.

The cleric, Sheik Abdel Majid al-Khoei, was stabbed and shot by a mob said by locals to include supporters of Mr. Sadr after Mr. Khoei brought a Baath Party member into the city's holiest mosque in an attempt to restore the man's position as the mosque's caretaker.

If the Iranian-backed Shiites resort to violence, it may be a blessing in disguise, since we will then be free to react with violent self-defense.

[dixiechick2000]

"Iranian clerics"

Col. Hunt said we need to whack a few of these guys.

[Iscool]

I didn't care for your remark about Prez Bush being from Texas...See if I buy any of your CD's....

But anyway, seems that a significant number of the younger Iranians are becoming Westernized and would welcome a US sponsered house cleaning of their own...

[dixiechick2000]

"I didn't care for your remark about Prez Bush being from Texas...See if I buy any of your CD's...."

LOL!

"...seems that a significant number of the younger Iranians are becoming Westernized and would welcome a US sponsered house cleaning of their own..."

You're absolutely right about that and I wouldn't mind obliging them one bit.

[Dialup Llama]

The Iranian mullahs must infect another host to revive their strength because their run in Iran in nearing an end.