Clerics Begin To Take Over

international | anti-war / imperialism | other press Wednesday September 12, 2007 17:22 by Ali al-Fadhily

This article illustrates how the US invasion and occuption of Iraq has destroyed what was previously a secular society. Power has been put into the hands of reactionary clerics. Full article at the link.

Religious clerics are beginning to play an increasingly powerful role in Iraq. Many Iraqis now fear that they are endangering human rights and religious freedom in the once largely secular country. Clerics began to play a major role since the U.S.-led occupation began in April 2003. Despite the promises of U.S. President George W. Bush to turn Iraq into a secular and free country, clerics have become the real leaders, and are beginning to control most political matters.

"It is the Iraqis' misfortune that the international coalition has brought clerics to power," Dr. Shakir Hamdan, an expert on Islamic issues told IPS in Baghdad. "They will only lead the country into sectarian wars and take the whole country into the dark ages where one man rules and freedom is lost."