Posted on 05/14/2003 8:59:27 AM PDT by Hugenot
Channel NewsAsia is reporting that Ayatollah Mohammed Baqer al-Hakim emerged from exile in Iran to preach an Islamic government in Iraq.
Thousand of people were in attendance at Najaf, a holy city in Iraq. It was one of the largest public gatherings since US involvement. The 66-year-old head of the Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SAIRI) was trying to get support for a regime with more Islamic influence.
Ayatollah al-Hakim said “All tribal, ethnic and religious groups should unite under the banner of Islam to preserve independence, avoid differences, and build a free Iraq.”
Most Iraqis already strongly oppose a government set up by the US, and so al-Hakim made the harsh accusation that America is more harmful then helpful.
“Our Enemies are preying over us. They try to make us weak. The Americans and the British … helped Saddam, until his last breath, to kill us,” he stated. The Ayatollah also stated that the United States aided the Taliban.
Al-Hakim denounced American actions following the 1991 Gulf War, claiming, “The United States and Britain were not with us. They gave the green light to Saddam to suppress the… uprising. But it was God’s will that Saddam was ousted by the same America. Now, they insist on setting up a future government for Iraq, but the Iraqi people are intent on determining their fate themselves.”
Al-Hakim stressed the importance of free elections with no international assistance as well as an Islamic government that “achieves independence for us.”
The Bush Administration fears the possibility that a conservative, Islamic-influenced government will be produced if the Iraqis are given the opportunity for a Democratic vote. This would tie Iraqis to Iran’s anti-US beliefs.
He proudly professed that he has the support or the Iraqi people for Islam to be a major influence on the post-Saddam country.
Al-Hakim drew close to 20,000 people in two locations on Monday. In Washington, concerns are growing. Many believe that the Ayatollah’s return may prevent the occupation authorities to enforce a coalition government representing all of Iraq’s diverse ethic and religious groups. It is also feared that the cleric is trying to weaken efforts to set up a democratic government.
The Bush administration has already said they will not allow a clerical regime to gain control of the Iraqi government.
If he was "allowed" back in, then heads should roll!
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