Shiite Leader (al-Hakim) Rejects U.S. Plan for Iraq

[Barrett808]

Shiite Leader Rejects U.S. Plan for Iraq
By HAMZA HENDAWI, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The U.S.-backed plan for handing over power to Iraqis is unacceptable as it stands, according to a top Shiite Muslim leader who met with President Bush this week.

However, Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim said Friday that the Americans, as well as others, are slowly coming around to the need for elections to chose a new legislature rather than have the members named by 18 regional caucuses.

"As it stands, it's unacceptable," al-Hakim said of the political blueprint reached Nov. 15 between L. Paul Bremer, America's top civilian official in Iraq, and the U.S.-appointed Iraqi Governing Council. "It was hurriedly agreed."

Iraq's top Shiite cleric urged followers Friday to stop public demonstrations in support of his call for an early vote until U.N. experts decide whether an election is feasible.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=736&e=4&u=/ap/20040123/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

[papau]

1. The voter roll problem is solved - 23.5 million on food rolls

plus Kurds have a separate list for their area.

Seems the US objection was Bull Sh*t - as we have become used to under Bush.

[0007]

2. Does not look good!

"But the more radical cleric Moqtada Sadr branded the United Nations a "dishonest" body that served America's agenda and had no role to play in the future of Iraqi elections.

The differences underscored once again the difficulties confronting restive Iraq.

Huge Shia protests in recent days against US plans to transfer power to an unelected provisional government have prompted Washington to seek a compromise.

US-occupation administrator Paul Bremer and members of the Iraqi Governing Council on Monday held talks with UN chief Kofi Annan, calling for the world body's return."

more.....

http://english.aljazeera.net/Articles/News/ArabWorld/UN+team+returns+to+divided+Iraq.htm

[Aidoneus]

6. Sadr is still showing a spine and speaking honestly (a dangerous crime)

Sistani recently urged his supporters to stop(!) their massive demonstrations--he apparently thinks the UN will save Iraq.. :eyes:
Perhaps he was frightened by his ability to put a million people on the streets with a nod.

[NickB79]

7. I think Sistani's smarter than that

I think it's an act. He's trying to look more civilized and capable of a role as a leader of Iraq in the eyes of the UN to garner their support for direct elections that would place him in power. I don't think he has any hope for the UN to save Iraq; he's just putting on a show to get their support, and when he's elected he will end this act and place Iraq under a theocracy based on a fundamentalist interpretation of Islam. Then it's hello, West Iran!

[Emboldened Chimp]

3. Well, looks like a civil war

Thanks, *.

[amber dog democrat]

4. They have nothing to gain by working

with the occupying powers. Time is on their side.
Sooner of later we will be declaring victory and clearing out.

[are_we_united_yet]

5. Dick Donald George Richard and Paul

Great work. Your efforts are appreciated. Uhh can I see you guys in my office when you get a chance?