from Juan Cole at - http://tinyurl.com/2drvj
Sistani Interview in Der Spiegel
If the article coming out on Saturday in Der Spiegel, the German news magazine, is accurate, it seems to me to portend significant difficulties ahead for the US. Sistani clearly is insisting on a new United Nations Security Council Resolution that would set out the procedures and timetable for free and fair direct elections in Iraq, if these cannot be held before the transfer of sovereignty on July 1 to an indigenous government. The US has resisted having a new resolution passed. Sistani is insisting (contrary to what his spokesman told Nick Blanford, above) that Islamic canon law or Shariah be the basis of the Iraqi legal code. And, Sistani is threatening that if he does not get what he wants on a short timeframe, he is prepared to launch a Shiite uprising against the Americans and their Coalition. The article says that his followers already have the placards for the demonstrations printed up and stored for use. The US so far has resisted both UNSC involvement in the process and adoption of religious law. If the Bush administration defies Sistani on these issues, there could be a lot of trouble looming ahead in Iraq.
[...]
full at - http://tinyurl.com/2drvj
orig url -
http://www.juancole.com/2004_02_01_juancole_archive.html#107726364676139542
--------------------
>From the Telegraph at - http://tinyurl.com/2ehha
Snub to ayatollah as Bremer puts Iraq poll on hold
Paul Bremer, America's administrator in Iraq, has ruled out holding full elections for at least a year, snubbing the country's most powerful religious leader who has called for direct polls as soon as possible, writes Inigo Gilmore.
Mr Bremer's announcement, made in an interview with an Arabic television channel, came as speculation grew that he may be sidelined in the run-up to the proposed transfer of power in Iraq in June after apparent concerns over his performance.
[...]
full at - http://tinyurl.com/2ehha
orig. url -
...
DRM