Dubbed Iraq's Khomeini, al-Hakim's death leaves power vacuum

Associated Press ^ | 08-29-03

[Brian S]

The killing Friday of Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim in the holy city of Najaf further complicates the race for power in post-Saddam Iraq, riven by religious turmoil and wide discontent with the U.S.-led occupation.

Al-Hakim, 64, was killed in the car bombing of Imam Ali mosque, Shiite Islam's holiest shrine in Iraq. He had returned to his native country May 10 after more than two decades in exile in neighboring Iran.

[Dialup Llama]

This is just like the mafia. Some outsider tried to muscle in on the locals' territory and got bumped off.

[RonHolzwarth]

Well ya know, I personally know a guy whose mother is Syrian. 100%, born there, grew up there, all that. His brothers are all 1/2 Syrian too. So he knows what he's talking about when he talks about the Arabs.

He said: "They all hate each other. If they're not going to be be killing Jews, they'll be fighting each other. They hate everyone. That's just the way they are."

See, the Jews have only been a common enemy for the Arabs to unite and rally against. Without the Jews, or someone else to fight and kill, they would have to fight and kill each other.

So, now we see proof. My friend is right.

[The Toll]

Would someone (BUSH) please inform these individuals that the future of Iraq is not up for debate!

[Unam Sanctam]

Certainly SCIRI has cooperated with the Americans by joining the Governing Council, although Hakim said he wanted the occupation ended as soon as possible. Ayatollah Sistani is the most reasonable of the top Shiite clerics. The CPA has dismissed the young Shiite radical Sadr as not much of a threat in the past. Perhaps he is more of a threat than we think? Could he be joining up with the Baathists?

[Only1choice____Freedom]

Calling Hillary!!!! Your post awaits.