Sistani condemns coalition handling of Shi'ite uprising

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/OB762972.htm

NAJAF, Iraq, April 7 (Reuters) - Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on Wednesday condemned the way U.S.-led occupation forces were tackling a Shi'ite uprising in Iraq and called for calm on all sides and an end to violence.

Shi'ite militiamen loyal to another Shi'ite cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, have been battling U.S.-led coalition forces in central and southern Iraq since Sunday, in an uprising that has claimed at least 150 lives.

"We condemn the way the occupying forces are dealing with current events, just as we condemn aggression against public and private property which leads to unrest and stops Iraqi officials from carrying out their duties in the service of the people," a statement issued by Sistani's office in Najaf said.

"We call for the matter to be dealt with wisdom and patience and in peaceful ways, abstaining from any provocative steps which will lead to more chaos and bloodshed."

more

[Cooley Hurd]

1. Uh oh...

That wasn't a admonishment of al-Sadr. I think I know what side he's on now - and it isn't ours... :scared:

[NNN0LHI]

2. A chill went up my spine when I read this headline n/t

[saigon68]

4. Unfortunately his Brother cleric is about to be turned into Bloody Chunks

By a couple of Mk-84 LGBs.

Thats one way to win the CRUSADE.

[Walt Starr]

3. Check

and mate.

We're fucked.

Okay, I take it back as it was an understatement. We are officially beyond fucked.

[0007]

20. That's a good way of saying it! - "We are officially beyond fucked."

I'm surprised the Kurds haven't joined forces yet.

[Walt Starr]

21. If the new Iraqi DOI ends up being read by the Kurd leaders

they will definitely join the insurrection.

That document guarantees Kurdish autonomy.

[leftchick]

5. In his round about way I think he is....

giving al-Sadr an okie doke! :scared:

[jimshoes]

6. What are the chances of this happening?

"We call for the matter to be dealt with wisdom and patience and in peaceful ways, abstaining from any provocative steps which will lead to more chaos and bloodshed."

[robertpaulsen]

13. Zero!

Not until after November 2. With Bush in power, the damage is irreversible.

[Just Me]

7. ",...abstaining from any provocative steps,..."

Unfortunately, EVERY one knows the Bush loyalists are totally into provocation and the rule of force.

Good gawd,...honestly, the neocons should be charged and shackled before they provoke another world war. I believe waiting for an uncertain election is waiting too long and risking that it will be too late.

[Dhalgren]

15. Unfortunately, you are spot on.

Sadr and Sistani may be showing everyone in the world only way to deal with these Neo-con thugs. I hope the thugs will abide by US law and respect the electorial process - what are the chances?

[sniffa]

8. everything is going according to pLan

this just another freedom hater. a smaLL minority who fears a democratic iraq because they have no part in it.

it's aLL peaches & cream.

[calimary]

18. Oh yeah, and DON'T we just know Iraq is SO much better off now

that Saddam's not around anymore, 'eh? And how 'bout those Iraqi people? They're better off now, too, aren't they?

Okay, all you apologists! Time to stand up and speak that company line! Let's hear ya! Hello!? Anybody home?

I have NOT heard this inevitable, knee-jerk comeback from pundits since all of this broke out. Wonder where they all are. They sounded so sure of themselves...

[David__77]

9. Bland statement.

Somehow he manages to try to offend no one. He legitimizes the occupation authority but also legitimizes other de facto powers' existence.

[NNN0LHI]

11. A nod is the same as a wink to a blind horse n/t

[JCMach1]

10. Sistani is playing good shia, bad shia with the authority

[Robbien]

12. This is not good

Sistani is a very good diplomat. A strong show of support for al-Sadr but keeping himself separate and above the fray.

[teryang]

14. Exactly right

He gave Sadr the green light on Friday when he said he was through talking to Americans.

[Robbien]

16. Very good article in the CSM today

On the Sustani/al-Sadr political play. It reiterates what you said the other day that Sustani is hoping that the US will deal with Sadr's people for them.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0407/p01s02-wome.html

[teryang]

22. Very good article

Thanks for the link.

[tedzbear]

17. This sounds like a warning to the USA, not to al-Sadr.

"Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on Wednesday condemned the way U.S.-led occupation forces were tackling a Shi'ite uprising in Iraq and called for calm on all sides and an end to violence."

Where does he say "calm on all sides?" Sounds like our American press is connecting dots that aren't there again. Sistani is reprimanding the coalition forces, not the Iraqi resistance.

Is there another quote from him that explicitly reprimands al-Sadr?? I haven't found it.

[Robbien]

19. By condeming the US, Sistani is giving the green light to al-Sadr

But he says it in such a way as not to really piss off the US against Sistani, and also al-Sadr gets the message that Sistani will not interfere in what al-Sadr is doing.