Sistani backs Arab League’s Iraq reconciliation mission

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NAJAF, Iraq - Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa said on Saturday his mission to foster dialogue and ease sectarian tension in Iraq had won crucial backing from the top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani.

After speaking with the revered senior Shia cleric in this holy city south of Baghdad, Mussa said: “I obtained the blessing and support of Ayatollah Sistani, which made me glad.”

It was an unprecedented meeting between an Arab League chief and the top Shia religious figure in Iraq, and came three days after former dictator Saddam Hussein went on trial for crimes against humanity.

“We examined Iraq’s Arab dimension, its unity and all its negative aspects,” Mussa told reporters.

Khaleej Times

[Tom Rinaldo]

1. A glimmer of hope

The Arab league is made up of heavily Sunni nations. This is a positive step, but whether or not it is meaningful is the important question.

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2. I thought it was interesting. I have no idea how to interpret it.

It will be intesting to see if these guys are
allowed to go about their business now, or not.
My guess is not.