Sistani: Najaf Battle & London Deaprture
US to disrupt Iraqi anti-occupation coalition
Author: Adnan Date: 07-08-04 18:36
http://www.albawabaforums.com/read.php3?f=3&i=74024&t=74024
The resumption of fighting in Najaf was an attempt by the US and its puppet government of Dr Allawi to disrupt the coalition of 16 anti-occupation coalition factions. Mr Muqtada Al-Sadr has been secretly negotiating with other armed factions to pool resources, to share intelligence and to coordinate attacks. The Americans have learned of such plans, sent a message to Al-Sistani to stay out of Najaf, ordered the governor of Najaf, Adnan Al-Zufi, a known CIA agent, to start a pre-emptive attack on Al-Sadr followers in Najaf violating the the truce signed in June 2004. US troops, accompanied by hundreds of mercenaries and Besh Merga fighters have started to occupy position and to arrest Al-Sadr fighters. Many Iraqis with inside information believe that the coming days will witness intensifcation of fighting throughout Iraq and many surprises are to be announced soon.
Al-Sistani vs. Al-Sadr
Author: Adnan Date: 08-08-04 10:02
Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani vs. Hojat Il Islam Moqtada Al-Sadr Like the Catholics, the Shiites have the Ayatollah as their pope. In 1992, Al-Sistani was elected to become the highest authority. Ayatollah Ali-Al Sistani is one of four high Shiite authorities in Najaf. Born in Iran in 1930 and left for Iraq in 1951. Contrary to Iran's Ayatollah Al-Khomeini, Al-Sistani believes in the separation of the mosque from politics. Despite his moderate views and scholarly manners, Saddam put him in prison or under house arrest. To the contrary of Al-Sistani, Moqtada Al-Sadr, like his father Mohamad Baqir Al-Sadr, was born in Iraq and the family played a major role in the 1920 popular uprising against the British rule. Al-Sadr has also played a major role in the 1992 uprising against Saddam. His father and aunt were assassinated by Saddam. Following the collapse of Saddam’s regime, armed Al-Sadr followers surrounded the house of Al-Sistani asking him to take a clear position regarding the new realities in Iraq. Al-Sistani refused to be drawn and left his home into hiding. Moqtada Al-Sadr and his armed supporters had doubts about the real intentions behind the US-UK invasion of Iraq. Their suspicions were confirmed when the Americans spelled out their intention to remain in Iraq as long as they did in Germany or Japan and are to implement an Israeli plan for the Middle East. The Americans knew that the Shiites majority will reject their long term-plans for Iraq. The American tactic was to contain the Iraqi resistance in the Sunni triangle first, before moving on liquidating Moqtada Al-Sadr and his followers. But Al-Sadr denied them such a pleasure and went to coordinate efforts with all anti-occupation forces inside and outside Iraq. Al-Sistani knew of the American plans to liquidate Al-Sadr and wanted to be far away from Najaf. The recent secret visit of an Iranian delegation to Najaf offering assistance to Al-Sistani was the last straw to make him decide on leaving Iraq, not to Tehran or to the Arab Gulf for treatment, but to London. Right now (08.08.04) Al-Sistani lives in a flat in London Mayfair district and is treated at Cromwell Road Hospital. Currently, efforts are being exerted to form an Iraqi Liberation Front (ILF) with its relevant political wing and a ‘shadow’ government.
Who’s to replace Al-Sistani?
Author: Adnan Date: 10-08-04 12:42
Who’s to replace Al-Sistani? The highest religious authority in Shiite Iraq is made up of four highly competent scholars; Ayatollah Al-Sistani, Born in Meshad, Iran, Ayatollah Bashir, born in Afghanistan, Ayatollah Faiadh, Born in Pakistan and Ayatollah M.S. Al-Hakim born in Isfahan, Iran. By coincidence or by design, all these are currently (10.08.04) outside Iraq while the Americans are moving on Najaf to clear Al-Sadr and his fighters. It seems that none of these Ayatollahs is in a position to see the bones of their fathers and great fathers being scattered and pulverised by American Helicopters firing cluster bombs and fighting from tomb to tomb in the age-old cemetery. During an election year, the Americans are getting desperate and pay no attention to the sanctity of Imam Ali’s Shrine or to the millions of tombs of Shiites from all the over the world. Furthermore, the Americans are trying to appoint an Iraqi born Ayatollah and have already approached Ayatollah Al-Madrasi, from Kerbala, who had received $$$ from Dr Allawi’s government to deny Al-Sadr a foothold in his city. The above plan was approved by Colin Powell during his talks with Dr Allawi and the Saudi government in Riyadh. Right now, the situation is too explosive as the US and its CIA agent, Dr. Allawi, have crossed all redlines. The Shiites will emulate the sacrifices of Imam Hussein in fighting the USraeli occupiers, from street to street and from trench to trench. The historically oppressed Shiite majority is being awoken by USraeli atrocities. The attack on Najaf may be the straw to break the back of Usraeli occupation of Iraq.
(Saturday, August 07, 2004
Clashes and Churches...)
http://www.riverbendblog.blogspot.com
Sistani has conveniently been flown to London. His ‘illness’ couldn’t come at a better moment if Powell et al. had personally selected it. While everyone has been waiting for him to denounce the bombing and killing of fellow-Shi’a in Najaf and elsewhere, he has come down with some bug or other and had to be shipped off to London for check-ups. That way, he can remain silent about the situation. Shi’a everywhere are disappointed at this silence. They are waiting for some sort of a fatwa or denouncement- it will not come while Sistani is being coddled by English nurses.One of the news channels showed him hobbling off of a private airplane, surrounded by his usual flock of groupies and supporters. I couldn’t quite tell, but I could have sworn Bahr Ul Iloom was with him. E. said that one of the groupies was actually Chalabi but it was difficult to tell because the cameraman was, apparently, standing quite far away.The thought that Sistani is seriously ill does make everyone somewhat uneasy. Should he decide to die on us now, it will probably mean a power struggle between the Shi'a clerics in the south. Juan Cole has a lot more about it.Last week churches were bombed- everyone heard about that. We were all horrified with it. For decades- no centuries- churches and mosques have stood side by side in Iraq. We celebrate Christmas and Easter with our Christian friends and they celebrate our Eids with us. We never categorized eachother as "Christian" and "Muslim"... It never really mattered. We were neighbors and friends and we respected eachother's religious customs and holidays. We have many differing beliefs- some of them fundamental- but it never mattered.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/ writes :
Sistani in London: Some of you have sent me the analysis by Juan Cole of Sistani's London trip. While I respect Juan's knowledge on Shi`ite matters (although I do not necessarily always agree with his political interpretations--but than again I do not agree with anybody, and barely with myself sometimes) this particular post is based on an article in Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat (cited by Juan). But dispatches from or on Iraq in Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat or in Al-Hayat always carry the interests and perspectives of US occupiers. Both newspapers are Saudi-owned and financed, and Saudi Arabia (especially as of late) is trying so hard to please the US administration. Their obsolete initiative for a Muslim/Arab force in Iraq (there were no takers) was just one example of Saudi desperate attempt to please US government. Al-Hayat also carried a story today on Sistani's visit in which it wanted to send a message of Sistani's strong opposition to As-Sadr, which is not untrue. But both Al-Hayat and Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat gloss over Sistani's rejection of US occupation, and his adamant refusal to meet with any American envoy or messenger. The criticisms of the Americans by two former members of the Iraqi puppet government council (Salamah Al-Khaffaji and Muwaffaq Ar-Rubay`i--both were very close to occupation authority) yesterday reveal a rising displeasure of the Americans among "moderate" Shi`ite ranks, and perhaps a rise in As-Sadr's popularity. The New York Times has an article today about the police role that As-Sadr's militia has been playing after month of earning a reputation for thuggery. Even As-Sadr complained publicity a few weeks ago that his own men have "filled my heart with pus"--not a lovely image or expression but refers in Arabic usage to a case of deep pain. But remember that US-commissioned polls in Iraq reveal that As-Sadr's popularity is quite significant, and he cannot be simply dismissed as an insignificant voice in Iraq. If Sistani has left An-Najaf to allow the Americans to take over the city (as both Al-Hayat and Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat have implied) his leadership would for all intents and purposes be severely shattered or undermined. Al-Hayat today states that Hizbullah boycotted the visit of Sistani to Beirut (he passed through the airport and stayed for no more than 3 hours) due to deep ideological differences while I found that Hasan Nasrallah was very respectful of Sistani and defended him against his Shi`ite and non-Shi`ite critics in the Arab world when I interviewed him in June. Certainly Sistani's exit is significant especially when you remember that the man has not left his house in 6 years, but it may make things more difficult--not more easier--for the occupiers. And Ishaq Fayyad, perhaps the 2nd most influential Grand Ayatollah in Najaf, is less politically passive than Sistani. The New York Times today on its first page carried a headline that "Najaf cemetery cleared." What a victory? What a resounding victory against...the Najaf cemetery. Hail the chief and salute the troops, NOW.
Author: Adnan Date: 07-08-04 18:36
http://www.albawabaforums.com/read.php3?f=3&i=74024&t=74024
The resumption of fighting in Najaf was an attempt by the US and its puppet government of Dr Allawi to disrupt the coalition of 16 anti-occupation coalition factions. Mr Muqtada Al-Sadr has been secretly negotiating with other armed factions to pool resources, to share intelligence and to coordinate attacks. The Americans have learned of such plans, sent a message to Al-Sistani to stay out of Najaf, ordered the governor of Najaf, Adnan Al-Zufi, a known CIA agent, to start a pre-emptive attack on Al-Sadr followers in Najaf violating the the truce signed in June 2004. US troops, accompanied by hundreds of mercenaries and Besh Merga fighters have started to occupy position and to arrest Al-Sadr fighters. Many Iraqis with inside information believe that the coming days will witness intensifcation of fighting throughout Iraq and many surprises are to be announced soon.
Al-Sistani vs. Al-Sadr
Author: Adnan Date: 08-08-04 10:02
Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani vs. Hojat Il Islam Moqtada Al-Sadr Like the Catholics, the Shiites have the Ayatollah as their pope. In 1992, Al-Sistani was elected to become the highest authority. Ayatollah Ali-Al Sistani is one of four high Shiite authorities in Najaf. Born in Iran in 1930 and left for Iraq in 1951. Contrary to Iran's Ayatollah Al-Khomeini, Al-Sistani believes in the separation of the mosque from politics. Despite his moderate views and scholarly manners, Saddam put him in prison or under house arrest. To the contrary of Al-Sistani, Moqtada Al-Sadr, like his father Mohamad Baqir Al-Sadr, was born in Iraq and the family played a major role in the 1920 popular uprising against the British rule. Al-Sadr has also played a major role in the 1992 uprising against Saddam. His father and aunt were assassinated by Saddam. Following the collapse of Saddam’s regime, armed Al-Sadr followers surrounded the house of Al-Sistani asking him to take a clear position regarding the new realities in Iraq. Al-Sistani refused to be drawn and left his home into hiding. Moqtada Al-Sadr and his armed supporters had doubts about the real intentions behind the US-UK invasion of Iraq. Their suspicions were confirmed when the Americans spelled out their intention to remain in Iraq as long as they did in Germany or Japan and are to implement an Israeli plan for the Middle East. The Americans knew that the Shiites majority will reject their long term-plans for Iraq. The American tactic was to contain the Iraqi resistance in the Sunni triangle first, before moving on liquidating Moqtada Al-Sadr and his followers. But Al-Sadr denied them such a pleasure and went to coordinate efforts with all anti-occupation forces inside and outside Iraq. Al-Sistani knew of the American plans to liquidate Al-Sadr and wanted to be far away from Najaf. The recent secret visit of an Iranian delegation to Najaf offering assistance to Al-Sistani was the last straw to make him decide on leaving Iraq, not to Tehran or to the Arab Gulf for treatment, but to London. Right now (08.08.04) Al-Sistani lives in a flat in London Mayfair district and is treated at Cromwell Road Hospital. Currently, efforts are being exerted to form an Iraqi Liberation Front (ILF) with its relevant political wing and a ‘shadow’ government.
Who’s to replace Al-Sistani?
Author: Adnan Date: 10-08-04 12:42
Who’s to replace Al-Sistani? The highest religious authority in Shiite Iraq is made up of four highly competent scholars; Ayatollah Al-Sistani, Born in Meshad, Iran, Ayatollah Bashir, born in Afghanistan, Ayatollah Faiadh, Born in Pakistan and Ayatollah M.S. Al-Hakim born in Isfahan, Iran. By coincidence or by design, all these are currently (10.08.04) outside Iraq while the Americans are moving on Najaf to clear Al-Sadr and his fighters. It seems that none of these Ayatollahs is in a position to see the bones of their fathers and great fathers being scattered and pulverised by American Helicopters firing cluster bombs and fighting from tomb to tomb in the age-old cemetery. During an election year, the Americans are getting desperate and pay no attention to the sanctity of Imam Ali’s Shrine or to the millions of tombs of Shiites from all the over the world. Furthermore, the Americans are trying to appoint an Iraqi born Ayatollah and have already approached Ayatollah Al-Madrasi, from Kerbala, who had received $$$ from Dr Allawi’s government to deny Al-Sadr a foothold in his city. The above plan was approved by Colin Powell during his talks with Dr Allawi and the Saudi government in Riyadh. Right now, the situation is too explosive as the US and its CIA agent, Dr. Allawi, have crossed all redlines. The Shiites will emulate the sacrifices of Imam Hussein in fighting the USraeli occupiers, from street to street and from trench to trench. The historically oppressed Shiite majority is being awoken by USraeli atrocities. The attack on Najaf may be the straw to break the back of Usraeli occupation of Iraq.
(Saturday, August 07, 2004
Clashes and Churches...)
http://www.riverbendblog.blogspot.com
Sistani has conveniently been flown to London. His ‘illness’ couldn’t come at a better moment if Powell et al. had personally selected it. While everyone has been waiting for him to denounce the bombing and killing of fellow-Shi’a in Najaf and elsewhere, he has come down with some bug or other and had to be shipped off to London for check-ups. That way, he can remain silent about the situation. Shi’a everywhere are disappointed at this silence. They are waiting for some sort of a fatwa or denouncement- it will not come while Sistani is being coddled by English nurses.One of the news channels showed him hobbling off of a private airplane, surrounded by his usual flock of groupies and supporters. I couldn’t quite tell, but I could have sworn Bahr Ul Iloom was with him. E. said that one of the groupies was actually Chalabi but it was difficult to tell because the cameraman was, apparently, standing quite far away.The thought that Sistani is seriously ill does make everyone somewhat uneasy. Should he decide to die on us now, it will probably mean a power struggle between the Shi'a clerics in the south. Juan Cole has a lot more about it.Last week churches were bombed- everyone heard about that. We were all horrified with it. For decades- no centuries- churches and mosques have stood side by side in Iraq. We celebrate Christmas and Easter with our Christian friends and they celebrate our Eids with us. We never categorized eachother as "Christian" and "Muslim"... It never really mattered. We were neighbors and friends and we respected eachother's religious customs and holidays. We have many differing beliefs- some of them fundamental- but it never mattered.
http://angryarab.blogspot.com/ writes :
Sistani in London: Some of you have sent me the analysis by Juan Cole of Sistani's London trip. While I respect Juan's knowledge on Shi`ite matters (although I do not necessarily always agree with his political interpretations--but than again I do not agree with anybody, and barely with myself sometimes) this particular post is based on an article in Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat (cited by Juan). But dispatches from or on Iraq in Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat or in Al-Hayat always carry the interests and perspectives of US occupiers. Both newspapers are Saudi-owned and financed, and Saudi Arabia (especially as of late) is trying so hard to please the US administration. Their obsolete initiative for a Muslim/Arab force in Iraq (there were no takers) was just one example of Saudi desperate attempt to please US government. Al-Hayat also carried a story today on Sistani's visit in which it wanted to send a message of Sistani's strong opposition to As-Sadr, which is not untrue. But both Al-Hayat and Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat gloss over Sistani's rejection of US occupation, and his adamant refusal to meet with any American envoy or messenger. The criticisms of the Americans by two former members of the Iraqi puppet government council (Salamah Al-Khaffaji and Muwaffaq Ar-Rubay`i--both were very close to occupation authority) yesterday reveal a rising displeasure of the Americans among "moderate" Shi`ite ranks, and perhaps a rise in As-Sadr's popularity. The New York Times has an article today about the police role that As-Sadr's militia has been playing after month of earning a reputation for thuggery. Even As-Sadr complained publicity a few weeks ago that his own men have "filled my heart with pus"--not a lovely image or expression but refers in Arabic usage to a case of deep pain. But remember that US-commissioned polls in Iraq reveal that As-Sadr's popularity is quite significant, and he cannot be simply dismissed as an insignificant voice in Iraq. If Sistani has left An-Najaf to allow the Americans to take over the city (as both Al-Hayat and Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat have implied) his leadership would for all intents and purposes be severely shattered or undermined. Al-Hayat today states that Hizbullah boycotted the visit of Sistani to Beirut (he passed through the airport and stayed for no more than 3 hours) due to deep ideological differences while I found that Hasan Nasrallah was very respectful of Sistani and defended him against his Shi`ite and non-Shi`ite critics in the Arab world when I interviewed him in June. Certainly Sistani's exit is significant especially when you remember that the man has not left his house in 6 years, but it may make things more difficult--not more easier--for the occupiers. And Ishaq Fayyad, perhaps the 2nd most influential Grand Ayatollah in Najaf, is less politically passive than Sistani. The New York Times today on its first page carried a headline that "Najaf cemetery cleared." What a victory? What a resounding victory against...the Najaf cemetery. Hail the chief and salute the troops, NOW.
posted by Thaqalain | Sunday, August 08, 2004
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