Grand Ayatollah Well-Positioned to Have a Lasting Impact on Iraq

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBYOL0M55E.html

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - His supporters may insist that Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is just a frail, white-bearded cleric devoted solely to spiritual pursuits. But the country's most-revered holy man is also now a symbol of Shiite political power, well-positioned to have a lasting impact on his adopted country.

Spiritually, al-Sistani has been an important figure in the lives of the majority of Iraqis at least since 1999, when he became Iraq's most senior Shiite religious figure.

Politically, his call for elections and his ability to twice force Washington in recent months to adjust its Iraqi election plans have made clear that al-Sistani calls the shots behind the scenes.

Most Iraqi Shiites accept the word of al-Sistani, believed to be in his mid-70s and with a heart ailment, as fact. His endorsements of Shiite candidates running in last month's elections carried considerable weight, and Sunday's results bore that out.

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[VegasWolf]

1. More bad news for the bush baby. n/t

[joeybee12]

2. How exciting! Islamic law will be enshrined into the Iraqi constitution!

Democracy is truly on the march!

[Kahuna]

3. The wingnut fundies have been insisting for years that OUR

Constitution is based upon Judao/Christian principals and value. And tough on anyone who doesn't agree. Seems the Iraqis are saying that their laws will be based upon their religion and tough on anyone who doesn't agree.

[Igel]

6. It's what I'd expect.

I mean, who would want the US to be based on Nigerian cultural norms, or Nigeria to be based on Papuan norms.

The laws and regulations are going to reflect the dominant values and culture.

The question is, will the Shi'a etc. be able to reign in majoritarianism and provide protection for the minorities? Pure democracy with no safeguards is just tyranny by the majority.

[Straight Shooter]

4. "Praise Gawd!" scream the fundies, "Armageddon is on the march!"

That devious little weasel bush, it was in his mind all the time to appease the fundies by doing exactly what was necessary to plant the seeds of a future Holy War. /sarcasm off

When someone is insane, they truly think that life does not matter. They become so disassociated from the concept of empathy or value for life, because their contempt for themselves blinds them to the worth of others.

Does not bush act as if no one's life matters?

[oasis]

5. al-Sistani: Bush has created his own Frankenstein monster.

:scared: