Ayatollah demands elections

[pinto]

January 13, 2004 (Sydney Morning Herald)

Iraq's most influential Shiite Muslim cleric has hardened his opposition to US plans for ceding control of Iraq to a transitional government, repeating his call for early elections and raising the spectre of heightened violence if his demand was not met.

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani rebuffed delegates from the US-appointed Governing Council who visited the holy city of Najaf on Sunday in an effort to convince him that regional caucuses should choose a new assembly.

The assembly would in turn choose a transitional government. The US-backed plan would culminate in a new ratified constitution and a new elected government by the end of 2005.

Without an elected government, Grand Ayatollah Sistani said he did not believe Washington had the right to negotiate a security agreement allowing US troops to remain in Iraq or to pass a fundamental law to govern the country in the coming transitional period.

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/12/1073877765499.html

[cspiguy]

1. Demand this!

There are many factions in Iraq and the old holier than the rest ayatollah will have to wait for a constitution - which will prevent him from imposing his shia shariah on the kurds and on sunni arabs as well. Too bad.

[Teaser]

2. Sistani probably won't impose shariah law

He is a quietist, and in general they avoid political engagement.