al-Sistani: "I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war"

[welshTerrier2]

I no longer have power to save Iraq from civil war, warns Shia leader
By Gethin Chamberlain and Aqeel Hussein in Baghdad

The most influential moderate Shia leader in Iraq has abandoned attempts to restrain his followers, admitting that there is nothing he can do to prevent the country sliding towards civil war.

Aides say Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is angry and disappointed that Shias are ignoring his calls for calm and are switching their allegiance in their thousands to more militant groups which promise protection from Sunni violence and revenge for attacks.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani

"I will not be a political leader any more," he told aides. "I am only happy to receive questions about religious matters."

It is a devastating blow to the remaining hopes for a peaceful solution in Iraq and spells trouble for British forces, who are based in and around the Shia stronghold of Basra. <skip>

source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/09/03/wirq03.xml&dcmp=emc-new_03092006

[MADem]

1. Well, ole Ali oughta talk to his "pals" on the Iranian RC....

This shit ain't coming out of the disaffected asses of the people causing the trouble.

Look to the north east...to Teheran. There's your instigators, Ali....

[Harper_is_Bush]

2. The guy never promised that anyway. Who cares? Nobody. n/t

[maddezmom]

3. duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2491137