Iraqi Shi'ite leader warns against civil war

[Eugene]

Iraqi Shi'ite leader warns against civil war

Apr 8, 2006 — By Michael Georgy

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - One of Iraq's most powerful Shi'ite leaders urged his followers
on Saturday to resist being drawn into a sectarian civil war after a triple suicide
bombing killed at least 70 people at a mosque associated with his party.

Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, a top figure in the ruling Shi'ite Alliance, urged Shi'ites
to stand firm against what he called a campaign by al Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
to ignite civil war with bombings like the one at a Baghdad mosque a day earlier.

"The alert Iraqi people, who are obedient to the religious establishments, should not give in
to sectarian discord that is part of a campaign by Zarqawi and groups associated with him aimed
at sectarian war," he told thousands of supporters.

"This nation will not fall into the trap of sectarian war that is being pursued by Zarqawi's
groups."

<snip>

Full article: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1820662

[chelsea0011]

1. And now we find out how much power the "ruling" Shi'ite Alliance really

has. Will the people listen to him or will they listen to clergy in the Shi'ite community? My feeling is outside the Green Zone the alliance has very little power. But the US needs to be out and out soon. This type of warfare, civil war, can go on for decades.

[bemildred]

2. Second that. nt

[David in Canada]

3. Civil War & Iran

I sadly expect that upon the first US-Israeli bombs dropped on Iran, that the Shi'ites will ignite a bloodbath against the Sunnis.

The Shi'ites will also likely attack the American/UK troops and that the "coalition" forces will be fortunate if they can rush up north to Kurdistan and into Turkey in a hasty retreat. Even that scenario is likely too optimistic.

If the Kurds join the Shi'ites and/or seceeds from Iraq, Turkey will likely invade Iraqi Kurdistan in order to prevent further unrest in Turkish Kurdistan. Also, if the Kurds align with the Shi'aa, they will likely recieve last-minute aid and assistance from the Iranian regime to stir the pot in order to break the back of the occupation forces. If this happens, Turkey will likely be attacked within it's borders which will be used as a <i><u>casus belli</i></u> (case for war) by NATO against Iran.

Iran, in retaliatory mode, closes the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off ALL trade to and from the Middle East. Stock market collapses and oil reaches $7.00+/gallon at the pump by the next evening. Iran then bombs Israel.

Say hello to World War III.

[Auntie Bush]

4. I hope you are a pessimist and not a realists! n/t

[ChazII]

5. Visit Shiachat

it is a fascinating site - imho. It is a place to go to see what the Shia's think.

[David in Canada]

6. URL?

Hi, ChazII! Nice to see a fellow newbie! :toast:

Do you have a URL you can share? Sounds interesting?

[ChazII]

7. Here is the link

http://www.shiachat.com/forum/index.php?act=idx

It is not the home page. This link takes you to the forums. Enjoy. I know that I find it educational and find myself reading in several different forums. I have only read and have not registered. They welcome non-shias and those who are not of any faith.


Thank you for the welcome.