Cleric: Iraq's Sadr Turns Down Elders' Peace Appeal

[Barrett808]

Cleric: Iraq's Sadr Turns Down Elders' Peace Appeal
By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has turned down an appeal by Iraq (news - web sites)'s powerful Shi'ite Muslim establishment to renounce violence, an aide to a leading cleric said on Monday.

An aide to Mohammad Bahr al-Uloum, a member of the U.S.-installed Iraqi Governing Council, told Reuters Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, regarded as Iraq's most powerful cleric and a rival of Sadr's, supported the appeal.

Sistani has made declarations in the past calling on Iraqis to respect state institutions and public order. He has not spoken directly on the violence involving Sadr's supporters, but he is expected to make a statement in the next few days.

"The Hawza (seminary) is unanimous on this," the aide said.

"We asked Moqtada (al-Sadr) to stop resorting to violence, occupying public buildings and other actions that make him an outlaw. He insists on staying on the same course that could destroy the nation."

...

"The delegation met Moqtada's aides, who did not express interest in relying on wisdom and patience," the aide said.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040405/wl_nm/iraq_moqtada_appeal_dc&cid=574&ncid=1480

[David Dunham]

1. Not a good development for Bush or the US.

[IndianaGreen]

2. The younger Iraqis are attracted to al-Sadr, who is an Iraqi unlike

al-Sistani who is Iranian and lives a reclusive life.

[xultar]

3. Good Point, if there are boys out there hating us that is another

60 to 70 years of Hate we have to contend with. Not to mention their offspring.

[Jose Diablo]

4. Well, it looks like the right wing fundamentalists got what they wanted

a holy war

[atreides1]

5. Yes

They got their holy war, but they aren't the ones fighting it.

I vote that we send Falwell, Robertson, Graham, and all of their suppoters to Iraq and rotate all military personnel back home.

[paulk]

6. Sadr is being hung out to dry

Sistani will use the coalition to crush his main rival.

The Mayberry Machiavellis are out of their league.

[Moderator]

7. locking

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