MG
I doubt we'd have a "history" on another other list either - not one I can recall at any rate.
I do recall.
Sistani 'opposes coalition plan' Aljazeera.net SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2006 Iraq's most revered Shia cleric has withheld support for a US-backed plan to build a sectarian coalition, threatening hopes for political unity.
I observed on A-List (also archived at utah edu) that Sistani was like a minor pope--about a month ago. And then got the very same observation on this list from someone (not Marvin--I am changng topics here). Anyway, about the piece that MG has just posted: Sistani sees the writing on the wall (a cliche' of biblical origin I believe that seems to come to my mind a lot these days). Anyway, he is a contradiction in terms: he preaches quietism and clerical non-involvement in politics while he himself is totally mixed up in Occupation politics. His resume' is not going anywhere. And his high position is one more or less inherited at a time when Iraq needs people who can step up to the challenge of getting rid of the US. The people of the slums and the US-bombed ruins won't be lining up to kiss his gold rings, and that the Sadrist movement (if it can make lasting peace with the Sunni Resistance) holds out the best chance for a post-US Iraq. Not that Sistani is going to do much to achieve that--but should it happen, it won't be seen so much as a collaborator. He won't be welcomed back to Iran and if he loses his diminishing place in Iraq, he has no where to go--except London apparently. CJ
