Iraq's Top Shiite Cleric Concerned About U.S. Pact

[Hissyspit]

Source: Associated Press

Iraq's top Shiite cleric concerned about US pact

By KIM GAMEL – 50 minutes ago
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric has "concerns" about the U.S.-Iraqi security pact, but will leave voters to decide its fate in a referendum to be held by July 30, an official at the cleric's office said Saturday. The comments by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani were made public two days after parliament approved the deal which would allow American troops to stay in Iraq through 2011.

In what may have been a reaction to the security deal, a rocket slammed into the Green Zone near a U.N. compound Saturday, killing two foreigners and wounding 15 people.

An official at al-Sistani's office said the Iranian-born cleric did not think the pact had won national consensus, something he thought "may lead to instability in the country." He also viewed as vague parts of the agreement, particularly those pertaining to judicial jurisdiction and controls over the exit and entry into Iraq by American troops, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.

Al-Sistani also believed that the pact did not offer sufficient guarantees to restore Iraq's full sovereignty, according to the official.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hwK_CSpBxsNuVUEaDuOwmSSCiqGwD94OM9IG0

[Lasher]

1. He needn't worry, they'll have full sovereignty in 18 months. n/t

[cal04]

2. Iraq, US push for quick implemenation of forces deal

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081129/wl_mideast_afp/iraqusmilitary_081129170724

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki met with US officials on Saturday to push for rapid implementation of an accord to end the US military presence in Iraq, as the country's top Shiite cleric said he feared the deal would sow instability.

Maliki, US Ambassador Ryan Crocker and General Ray Odierno, the commander of US forces in Iraq, discussed "immediate measures to activate the agreement," the prime minister's office said.

"They also discussed technical means of disengaging Iraq from Chapter Seven, the issue of detainees, positions held by American troops, the Green Zone and airspace," a statement said.

The US-led force is deployed in Iraq under the terms of Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which allows it to use "coercive measures" if peace is threatened.

[Alamuti Lotus]

3. well, maybe he shouldn't have flipped at the last moment

Sistani had at first voiced (as much as he is willing to take a stand on anything of any kind of importance) opposition to the program, but nearing the final vote quietly flipped his stance and the factions loyal to him (the formerly known as SCIRI, I forget the new acronym forged to signify their obedience to the occupation) voted in favor. Had he taken a principled stance on the subject, such as that advanced by his peers (or superiors) Mohammed Husayn Fadlallah and Kazim al-Haeri, he would not have to now voice these "concerns" as it would be dead in the water.