Religion a potent force in Iraq election

[rainbow4321]

Manipulation of religion in politics..welcome to our world, Iraqis


http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IRAQ_SYMBOLS?SITE=TXSAE&SECTION=MIDEAST&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT


BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Quranic verses, holy shrines and bearded clerics adorn many of Iraq's election posters, reflecting the rise of religious influence in this country after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

The blending of religion with politics, however, has drawn complaints from some candidates in next weekend's parliamentary vote who charge that rival factions are exploiting religious sentiment for political gain.

Since Saddam's ouster nearly two years ago, religion has emerged as a potent force in Iraq, fueling the fight against American occupiers for some and providing solace to others seeking refuge from the hardships of a torn country.

Political rivals, many of them from secular parties, charge that the powerful Shiite-dominated faction, the United Iraqi Alliance, is unfairly using the cleric's picture to win the coveted Shiite vote. The list was put together by a committee appointed by al-Sistani. "This is rejected in a free and democratic election. There is a distinction between religion and politics," said Agriculture Minister Sawsan al-Sharifi, who is running on Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's ticket.

[Djinn]

1. maybe it's just so they get can used to

democracy US style??

[leesa]

2. Oh what a surprise...we've created yet another Islamic Fundamentalist

country. How many times do we have to do this before we figure it out?