Najaf (AsiaNews) – Yesterday, for the first time ever, the highest Shiite authority in Iraq and the whole world and of Iranian descent, Ayatollah  al-Sistani, directed criticism at the United States as Iraq began three days of mourning for the victims of the Karbala-Baghdad terrorist attacks.

The Ayatollah accused American troops in the country of "having failed to prevent the infiltration (of terrorists) from countries bordering Iraq." Al-Sistani, known for his pacifism and lack of hatred toward the West and the Coalition, said the United States was unable to "exercise full control over Iraqi borders."

Al-Sistani also appealed to the union of all Iraqi citizens, asking them to be "careful and vigilant", ready to undermine any "enemy conspiracies". He insisted that people make extra efforts to be united as a single nation speaking "with one single voice and hurrying to retake possession of wounded Iraqi power while seeking independence and stability"    

Meanwhile, according to figures released by hospitals, the toll of victims of yesterday's bloody attacks has now reached 182.  Iran's foreign minister said there were 22 of his country's citizens killed in the strikes while on pilgrimage to Shiite holy sites during the Ashura holiday.   

Polish troops, which are responsible for security in Karbala, have confirmed the arrest of 2 persons linked to the attacks, while yesterday evening it was said another 4 persons and 1 man in Baghdad were arrested as suspects.

Tehran, Washington  and Iraq's Provisional Government have blamed Al-Qaeda for the attacks. The Provisional Governing Council announced it has postponed the date for signing the draft of the temporary constitution, which was scheduled to occur today. This morning in Baghdad rockets were fired at telephone center. Police said one man was wounded in the strike.  (PB)

• iraq
• islam
• shiites
• sunnis
• provisional
• government
• fundamentalism
• karbala
• baghdad
• attacks