Muqtada al-Sadr: Enemy of a free Iraq
Friday, 3 March 2006 | 97 readers so far
It is past time for al-Sadr to go:
The rising star of Moqtada al-Sadr has been the subject of much recent speculation: how his bloc became the biggest in the Shia UIA alliance, how he controls one of the most extremist militias in the country, and how he has become one of the most important politicians in Iraq’s development toward democracy. And also one of its biggest threats. Avowedly ready to stage an uprising should Iran give the order, some military commanders must be wondering why the hell they didn’t get rid of him a long time ago when they had the chance. Now his prominence is being compared to the rise of Hitler.
Read the whole thing. al-Sadr is not an elected leader, he is not a positive force in Iraq. He is not interested in human freedom. He is the typical amoral politician interested only in his own power. The United States has made many mistakes in the war. Perhaps the biggest has been allowing al-Sadr free reign to grow the Medhi (also spelled Mahdi) Army to its current size
1 March 2nd, 2006 at 11:05 am
Mudville Gazette says:
of 10,000-20,000 men whom are well armed and emboldened by political and logistical support from Iran and it’s people in the current government. It is past time for al-Sadr to go: — [The Will to Exist - in Iraq] al-Sadr is not an elected leader, he is not a positive force in Iraq. He
2 March 3rd, 2006 at 11:04 pm
Orlando says:
I disagree with your dour opinion on al-Sadr, especially viewing him as an amoral tyrant. His philosophy is very disturbing to most because, while it is not anti-American, he is anti-occupation and anti-secularism. He is very defensive about his people and culture, and violently opposed to any perceived threat to them.
Take note that his militia may have been the fuel behind the sectarian violence over the past week, but most of their actions have been targeted strikes. No car bombs in markets. They mostly know who they are killing as opposed to the real enemy here.
You say he is not interested in human freedom, but what do you base that on?
Comparisons to Hitler are absurd (I know that wasn’t your quote). While I may not agree with his view or some of his actions, he is a young man thrust into a position of power. I can understand the way he has wielded it, including his outreach to Iran. He has made missteps but in 20 years, he will still be an influential voice in Iraq. He will also be a much wiser voice and I believe a very strong leader. He will hate us, but he is someone who can make Iraq strong again.
3 March 3rd, 2006 at 11:13 pm
Trevor says:
I base my assessment that al-Sadr has no interest in human freedom on what Iraqi bloggers are saying about him.
Anyone who promotes a theocracy or Sharia law is a threat to a strong Iraq. There will never be a strong Iraq until nationalism takes precedence over religious sectarianism, and that can’t happen with al-Sadr in the picture.
Also, there’s that little issue of him being indicted for murder, if I’m not mistaken.