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Iraq-Jordan
Sistani Away, the mice can get wacked play
2004-08-09
I thought his sudden need to see the doctor sounded funny.
As fierce fighting continued Saturday, August 7, for the third day running between US troops and fighters loyal to firebrand Shiite scholar Moqtada Al-Sadr, Iraq's highest-ranking Shiite scholar, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, headed to London for "heart treatment".
We commented on this last week.
Fairly effective way to avoid being taken hostage or "accidentally" bumped off. Or boomed by "persons unknown."
London-based daily Al-Hayat quoted Saturday an unnamed Iraqi official as implying that the US forces were seeking to eradicate Sadr forces in Najaf once and for all, in the absence of Sistani. "Sistani flew to London on a short notice as he wanted to be away from Najaf at this time that witnesses decisive fighting between the US troops and the Iraqi police on one hand, and the Shiite Muslim militiamen on the other hand. Sistani holds Sadr and his supporters accountable for the chaos plaguing Najaf and preferred to leave the city during this period."
"Plausible deniability" was mentioned
Either that, or "I can't bear to watch!" And probably a combination of both, along with a determination not to go the same way Ayatollah Khoei did...
Posted by:Steve

#4  That really doesn't seem fair Steve. Perhaps they can force these free Docs to contributue 40 hours a week to the common good. (Or Else)
Posted by: Any one of 4 million children needing orthodondure   2004-08-09 3:57:24 PM  

#3  in the land of the public health service, there are still PRIVATE Physicians?
Ah, yes, one of the little secrets that never gets mentioned much. Britian has two health care sectors. There's the private one, world class medicine, available to everyone who can pay for it. Favored by the wealthy and dictators everywhere.
Then you have the public health service, take a number, wait in line, medicine for the unwashed masses. Providing you don't die waiting for treatment. This straight from friends of mine in England.
Of course, neither rich or poor in Britian seem to be able to find a dentist.
Posted by: Steve   2004-08-09 2:45:40 PM  

#2  Hmm, in the land of the public health service, there are still PRIVATE Physicians?

What the heck. Tater can't run and hide behind his robes NOW.
Posted by: Ptah   2004-08-09 2:17:10 PM  

#1  Sistani can say, "If I wasn't in the hosptial I would have stopped the americans from defiling the 1435th most holy site in islam."
Posted by: Formerly Dan   2004-08-09 1:30:38 PM  

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