One begins to realize in these days the profound wisdom of the Holy Koran where it is repeatedly emphasized that hypocrites are the worst kind of people. Muqtada Al Sadr claims that he is fighting against "Tyranny" and "Occupation"; but his main weapon consists in "terrorizing" all those his followers can reach who are mainly the poor ordinary people and government employees who have the misfortune to live in the slums and poor areas infested by his men. Kidnapping, intimidation, torture and murder are his favorite weapons. He frequently claims that he is the sole representative of the people and everybody else who disagrees with him is an agent and puppet and to be completely dismissed. Now this is the essence and substance of dictatorship. Who gave him this mandate we would like to know? what ballot box; what popular referendum? The same kind of claim we hear often from the other "Turbans", such as the "Association of Islamic Scholars" who frequently declare that they represent all the Sunni people of Iraq, when again we don't know who gave them this "sole and exclusive" representation rights? The first (Mr. Muqtada), nobody has ever heard of, apart from his direct circle, in the days before the fall of the regime, whereas many of the venerable members of the "Association", were the same preachers appointed by Saddams' "Mukhabarat" (Intelligence Agency) to the main mosques in Baghdad and elsewhere to replace the original less reliable clergy. Both these are entirely self-appointed. Both are a Godsend to those who wish to subvert the country and prevent stability and progress at any cost. |