Saturday, March 31, 2007
Al-sistani's aide warns of civil war
Security, Religion
(VOI) - Iraq's top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's representative in Karbala warned on Friday of possible civil war in Iraq after the recent bombing attacks and the events that ensued in northern Iraqi city of Talafar.
Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai denounced, during the Friday prayers in Imam Hussein shrine in the city of Karbala, the recent attacks in Talafar that lefts scores killed and injured and the reprisal reacts that led to the killing of over 50 people.
"We strongly criticize these acts which targeted both Shiites and Sunnis in Talafar as well as other violent acts that targeted civilians in Falluja, Ramadi and Kirkuk," he added. The Shiite cleric stressed that Talafar incidents were a clear evidence of savagery. "The incident is a strong alarm for everyone for possible all-out civil war in the country," he warned. Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai also urged Iraqis to use wisdom and not to jump into wrong conclusions.
Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai denounced, during the Friday prayers in Imam Hussein shrine in the city of Karbala, the recent attacks in Talafar that lefts scores killed and injured and the reprisal reacts that led to the killing of over 50 people.
"We strongly criticize these acts which targeted both Shiites and Sunnis in Talafar as well as other violent acts that targeted civilians in Falluja, Ramadi and Kirkuk," he added. The Shiite cleric stressed that Talafar incidents were a clear evidence of savagery. "The incident is a strong alarm for everyone for possible all-out civil war in the country," he warned. Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai also urged Iraqis to use wisdom and not to jump into wrong conclusions.
Karbala is located in southwest of Baghdad. It is the second Shiite city after Najaf. It hosts the Shrine of the third Shiite Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and that of his brother Abbas.
COMMENT: Iraq's Iranian-born 75-year-old most senior Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is one of only five living grand ayatollahs. He's known for his more moderate views—he supports an Islamic state but rejects an Iranian-style theocracy. He is revered by conservative and mainstream Shiites (who make up 60% of Iraq's poplulation), both in Iraq and abroad, for his authority to interpret Islamic law and provide guidance on day-to-day matters. He tacitly supports the United Iraqi Alliance, the leading Shiite coalition that supports strong regional governments, prosecuting ex-Baathists, and strictly enforcing the constitution. At times he's been critical of the U.S. handling of post-war Iraq. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai
