Shiite leaders distance themselves from Iraqi government
By Nancy A. Youssef
McClatchy Newspapers
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Many of the Shiite Muslim religious leaders who strongly backed the formation of the Iraqi government now are condemning it, warning that the country could descend into full revolt.
Their statements, observers said, reflect their effort to distance themselves from an increasingly unpopular government, one they once encouraged voters to risk their lives to support. In the process, they hope to win back support from the populace, the majority of which is Shiite.
The signs of defection are troublesome for U.S. and Iraqi officials, and another possible sign that the American strategy is threatened. The Shiite leaders have pushed for formation of the government more aggressively than any other Iraqi group, and their frustrations come just as American and Iraqi officials had encouraged Sunni Muslims to participate in the nascent political process.
"The government formed after the fall of the regime hasn't been able to do anything, just make many promises. And people are fed up with the promises," said Sheik Bashir al Najafi, one of the top four Shiite leaders and one of several who suggested there could be a revolt. "One day we will not be able to stop a popular revolution."
Religious leaders who spoke of revolt didn't specify what form it would take. But residents here said they thought it could be rogue militias and armed factions fighting Iraqi troops, and possibly U.S. forces, for control of the country. Alternatively, some said, southern Shiite residents could battle a mostly Sunni insurgency.
Many Shiites have refrained from engaging in all-out war because of repeated pleas from the Shiite leaders' council, the Marjaiyyah, to show restraint. The recent statements from religious leaders suggest that stance could be changing.
"The Marjaiyyah will support the government as long as the government serves the people," Abdul-Aziz al Hakim, the leader of the United Iraqi Alliance, the largest Shiite political bloc, said in an interview with McClatchy Newspapers. "This was a warning."
As religious leaders attempt to distance themselves from the government, a tactical debate is emerging among residents about which Shiite leaders best represent their sect's interests.
Many Shiite religious leaders are encouraging reforms in the government and in how the army and police secure the country. Militia supporters reject that and say the government's inability to secure the country means that residents should defend themselves.
Both tactics are born of a growing feeling that the government is grossly ineffective and the country is approaching total bedlam.
(The rest is here.)
McClatchy Newspapers
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Many of the Shiite Muslim religious leaders who strongly backed the formation of the Iraqi government now are condemning it, warning that the country could descend into full revolt.
Their statements, observers said, reflect their effort to distance themselves from an increasingly unpopular government, one they once encouraged voters to risk their lives to support. In the process, they hope to win back support from the populace, the majority of which is Shiite.
The signs of defection are troublesome for U.S. and Iraqi officials, and another possible sign that the American strategy is threatened. The Shiite leaders have pushed for formation of the government more aggressively than any other Iraqi group, and their frustrations come just as American and Iraqi officials had encouraged Sunni Muslims to participate in the nascent political process.
"The government formed after the fall of the regime hasn't been able to do anything, just make many promises. And people are fed up with the promises," said Sheik Bashir al Najafi, one of the top four Shiite leaders and one of several who suggested there could be a revolt. "One day we will not be able to stop a popular revolution."
Religious leaders who spoke of revolt didn't specify what form it would take. But residents here said they thought it could be rogue militias and armed factions fighting Iraqi troops, and possibly U.S. forces, for control of the country. Alternatively, some said, southern Shiite residents could battle a mostly Sunni insurgency.
Many Shiites have refrained from engaging in all-out war because of repeated pleas from the Shiite leaders' council, the Marjaiyyah, to show restraint. The recent statements from religious leaders suggest that stance could be changing.
"The Marjaiyyah will support the government as long as the government serves the people," Abdul-Aziz al Hakim, the leader of the United Iraqi Alliance, the largest Shiite political bloc, said in an interview with McClatchy Newspapers. "This was a warning."
As religious leaders attempt to distance themselves from the government, a tactical debate is emerging among residents about which Shiite leaders best represent their sect's interests.
Many Shiite religious leaders are encouraging reforms in the government and in how the army and police secure the country. Militia supporters reject that and say the government's inability to secure the country means that residents should defend themselves.
Both tactics are born of a growing feeling that the government is grossly ineffective and the country is approaching total bedlam.
(The rest is here.)
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