I notice some comments and wanted to point out a few things
Firstly let us not jump to quick conclusions, undermining the importance of certain elements quickly especially a figure like the Ayatollah Sistani.
Secondly he never said to the help the US forces, he simply said not be a part of the war. Though the US armed forces and the media are still circulating it as a big story. It obviously has importance.
Ayatollah Ali Sistani is a very powerful figure and holds more power for not just the people there but in Iran and Shias around the world.
If an illiterate mullah has the power to incite religious zealousness, ayatollah has a much bigger power and leverage to hit that nerve. He has the valid powers to provide “Fatwa” that could be a binding edict on millions.
Thirdly, the Ayatollah’s blessing will be needed especially now, not later, in order to get things under control.
Realizing this aspect, even Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks told reporters in Qatar specifically this to be an important event. Intelligence forces realize the power of this man.
Read below:
“Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani was also likely to ease tensions around Iraq's holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala, scenes of tough fighting earlier in the week, and to limit the risk of clashes between ordinary believers and U.S.-led soldiers.
"Neither the occupying army nor the local officials, in the presence of such an ayatollah, have authority more legitimate than his," said Hamid Dabashi, a professor at Columbia University and an expert on the Shi'ites and their world.”
My Comment: Under shia law, he could have said this specifically in order to do “Takkiya” to protect the sanctity of the shrines so no confrontation takes place inside the city |
