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Fiery Clerics incite Iraqâs Shiites against American forces
The gatherings in front of the Palestine Hotel began almost as soon as Saddam Hussein disappeared. Protesters milled about, shouting at the American soldiers and mugging for the cameras. Since then, the demonstrations have grown larger and more passionate, a volatile mix of newfound freedom, power, religious fervor, and fervid anti-Americanism. Early last week, hundreds of Shiite men converged in a maelstrom of fists and placards. This time their anger was stirred by rumors that the U.S. military was behind the disappearance of Mohammed al Fartusi, a representative of Iraq's hawza, or supreme Shiite religious authority. U.S. officials denied the rumors, and the crowd dispersed. The push to create this dominant Shiite religious body in Iraq is a credit to young clerics like al Fartousi, who spend their days spewing anti-American rhetoric from loudspeakers on the domed roofs of mosques. American officials have been caught off guard by the speed and strength of the Shiites' push for power here and by its virulently anti-American tone. U.S. intelligence officials believe some of this is directed from Tehran. Iran is funding new clinics and madrasahs, religious schools, in Iraq. "We are in a battle for influence with the Iranians," Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage tells U.S. News. Adds one senior official: "It's a small cancer, but it can metastasize and spread." (con't see link) Posted by: Anonymous 2003-04-27 |
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