To head off this threat of a Shi'ite clergy-driven religious movement, the US has, according to Asia Times Online investigations, resolved to arm small militias backed by US troops and entrenched in the population to "nip the evil in the bud".

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GB15Ak02.html


Iraqi vote gives Shia parties a mandate for Islamic law:

A coalition of Shia religious parties has won the Iraq election, taking almost half the votes and raising the spectre of Islamic law finding its way into the country's new constitution.

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=610875
http://tinyurl.com/6r6z4


From Information Clearing House