Sadr urges Iraq to emulate European Union and reject federalism

[bemildred]

Radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr called on Iraqis to emulate the European Union and reject federalism, which he said would divide the country. Speaking on behalf of Sadr, Sheikh Salah al-Ubaidi told Muslim faithful in Kufa, south of Baghdad, that in Europe: "You can find a unified constitution under way, a unified currency and a united continental market despite the fact that they are different nations."

Although he did not run in January's elections, Sadr recently re-emerged from the political shadows and is seeking to reinvent himself as the man who can pull his country back from the brink of chaos.

Sadr's statement came on yet another bloody day in Iraq, which saw 18 Iraqis including a Shiite cleric die in the country's latest round of violence.

Five people, including a child and two Iraqi soldiers, were killed in several attacks north of the capital early Friday, security forces said.

Daily Star(Lebanon)

[Cooley Hurd]

1. It's logical...

...but is it practical?:shrug:

[Igel]

2. It's logical ... for Sadr.

The constituency Sadr serves seems to be almost entirely himself, helped by the people he can get to support that particular constituency. They accept payment for being screwed in that particular way.

He's a minnow with delusions of shark-hood, and doesn't want to take the time or effort to try to emulate his father. Agree or disagree with his father's views, and the system that produced the niche his father filled, nonetheless his father earned that niche. But since many of the folk have this leader-worship character flaw (ok, emulation ... little difference in this context), he's willing to try to cash in on his father's name. Just like with a Kennedy, Bush, or Rockefeller, he's convinced it's his birthright.

By rejecting federalism, he helps restrict the power to a level at which his worshippers ... er, serfs ... er, followers might elect him. Or, if he gains power in some non-standard participatory way, might be able to keep it if "federalism" is constructed correctly.

In calling for federalism, he does a few other things, self-serving only in that they also serve to advance his objectives. He puts himself on the side of many other Shi'a Arabs and Kurds; and he sets himself against many Sunni Arab leaders. By seeming to agree with many, he helps create a situation in which internecine violence becomes more justified. He'll be seen as a true leader for peace.

[pie]

3. The guy is smart, this is for certain

Slow but sure he crafts the image of a wise but
sure-footed leader who is willing to fight the US when necessary.
Emerging from the shadows at critical points.

It would be very interesting to speak frankly with this man.
See what's on his mind.

[Igel]

4. I'd like to have a recording of his conversations (translated, of

course) with his contacts high up in Hamas.

Might be that he's emulating them from what he reads in media reports. Might not be.

added on edit]

[NNN0LHI]

5. I find what you say interesting

But the fact that this guy is still sucking air makes me very suspicious of him. And that alone ruins all your seemingly very qualified conclusions. Its like I read your post and was shaking my head in agreement with what you were saying because it all sounded so logical. And then it was like a light came on and I asked myself, hey Don, why is this Sadr fellow still alive? There has to be a reason for that. A damned good reason.

Don

[pie]

6. This story may very well play out right in front of our eyes

I think he is the real deal.
I think he is revered be many Iraqis.
He is the hands-off guy who is bound to come back
as our worst nightmare, just when we need relief... and
Iraq needs a savior.

Very foolish to underestimate his rising power.

[bemildred]

7. FWIW.

I consider this to be (mostly) media babble.

Al Sadr has been consistent in his position as far back as I am
aware of him; that is his statements have not varied on the intended
future of Iraq as a unified nation free of foreign occupation.

That he is speaking up again now, and with the support of MSM media
sources (here), is suggestive of the true situation in Iraq and a new
willingness to deal with him. and that I find interesting.

[pie]

8. please elaborate

What does Al Sadr want?

[Charles19]

9. He is an Iraqi Nationalist

What is so hard to figure out?

My bet is on him being the Iraqi George Washington once this whole thing plays out.

I don't think he cares too much about being the head of the country. Being the head of the country right now means your the mayor of the "green zone", the rest is all up for grabs.

[bemildred]

10. "Iraq as a unified nation free of foreign occupation"

No doubt, being human, he is much more complex than that.

I am merely saying that he seems little inclined to dissemble
his political opinions, and he has not changed them that I can
see.

Edit: I am also inferring that there might be some intent to use
his influence to attempt to stabilize the mess, but that is
speculation in every regard, based solely on his public rehabilitation.
He's not being called names now.