Iraqi Petition Condemns Interim Law
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Followers of Iraq’s most revered cleric are circulating a petition condemning the country’s interim constitution — the blueprint for the fast-approaching handoff of power to an Iraqi government. The petition, which is giving many Iraqis their first news of the interim constitution, is worded to play to many Iraqis’ deepest fears. It describes the law as “a tragedy” that paves the way for the United States to dominate Iraq’s future, encourages immoral behavior, and opens the door for Jews to take power. The petition is being passed around Baghdad neighborhoods and colleges by men who say they will deliver the signatures to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a spiritual leader to millions of Shi’ite Muslims. Some Baghdad residents say they signed the petition for fear that they would otherwise be branded as collaborators. “The law was made with the help of the occupying authorities, and we can see its stamp very clearly,” says the two-page flier that accompanies the petition. “God only knows where it will lead us.” The petition is the latest challenge to the embattled plan for the transition to Iraqi sovereignty, which US officials have revised numerous times since November because of Sistani’s objections. More : commondreams.org |