| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq-Jordan |
| Salafis’ new conspiracy in Iraq |
| 2005-09-13 |
| By Hassan Hanizadeh On the threshold of the referendum on the newly drafted Iraqi constitution, two Iraqi minority organizations, the Salafis and the Wahhabis, have begun acting in concert to carry out propaganda activities. These two groups, which boycotted Iraq’s National Assembly and presidential elections, have issued a statement calling on the Iraqi nation to boycott the referendum. They also called for the dissolution of the Iraqi National Assembly and the removal of Ibrahim al-Jaafari’s elected cabinet. In addition, by disseminating some rumors through Arab television networks, the Wahhabis and Salafis are trying to foment ethnic and sectarian discord in Iraq. For example, the hypocrite Salafis have begun saying that the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq is determined to transfer the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) from Karbala to Iran. Journalists working for these Arab television networks claim they have seen a document proving the authenticity of their accusation. Although it would be practically impossible to transfer the holy tomb of Imam Hussein (AS) from Karbala to Iran, the question arises: Why are these Salafis, whose animosity toward the Household of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his family) is obvious, now concerned about the Shrine of Imam Hussein (AS)? Isn’t it common knowledge that the Wahhabis and Salafis do not even tolerate visits to the grave of Prophet Mohammad (S)? So, why are they suddenly so sensitive about the tomb of Imam Hussein (AS)? On the other hand, the so-called Iraqi Muslim Ulema Association, which represents a mere 5 percent of the Iraqi nation, is trying to provoke the Iraqi nation into launching a rebellion against Iraq’s elected government by spreading some rumors. This association, which has clear connections with Salafis, Wahhabis, and Arab terrorists, helped deprive the Iraqi nation of their most basic rights for decades and now, with the new circumstances, is determined to create a political impasse in Iraq. The Baathists and the Iraqi Muslim Ulema Association, which was established by the Iraqi Baath Party and which played a significant role in destroying holy sites in Iraq, particularly during the Shia and Kurdish uprising of 1991, is now trying to turn back the clock to return Iraq to the situation during the time of the Baath regime. Although the association did not participate in the recent general elections and although they are not allowed to become involved in political issues according to Iraqi law, unfortunately, they have taken advantage of the patience of Iraqi officials and the democratic atmosphere prevailing in Iraq to hinder the democratization process in the country. However, it is almost impossible for a minority within a minority that has established direct relations with a collapsed regime to return to power through carrying out assassinations and terrorist attacks. During their numerous meetings with the occupying forces, officials of the Iraqi Muslim Ulema Association underlined that if the United States intends to defend its interests in Iraq, it must support the association. This shows that the association has no qualms about enlisting the support of the occupying forces in order to regain power. The association is currently playing the same role that Amr al-Aas, the devious minister of Muawiyah, played in the Battle of Saffain, in which Qurans were placed on the ends of spears in order to deceive the naive Muslims to oppose Imam Ali (AS). The Iraqi government, in line with efforts to suppress the criminal terrorists and in order to establish an appropriate climate for the referendum on the constitution and free elections, should abolish the duplicitous association and arrest and try its officials. Otherwise, the association, which advocates racism and Baathist attitudes and is supported by the occupying forces and Iraq’s neighboring Arab countries, will try to foment discord among the Shia Arabs, Sunni Arabs, and Kurds to prevent Iraq from moving toward democracy. The Salafis, the terrorists, and the so-called Muslim Ulema Association are trying to take advantage of the current state of affairs in Iraq to create internal chaos in the name of Islam while actually following the Baathist ideology. Therefore, all of Iraq’s national and religious leaders should be wary about this association’s activities. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 This seems strange coming from the Tehran Times. The Iranians must be trying to limit their competition in Iraq. |
| Posted by: Bobby 2005-09-13 07:59 |