Shiite leader says Imam Muqtada Al-Sadr does not represent "all of us"
An exclusive interview with Wael Al Rukadi, vice-secretary general of the Council of Iraqi Tribes.
Nassiriyah (AsiaNews) - People are quick to think that what is happening in Iraq is about a revolt of all Shiites against allied occupational forces. In reality, however, supporters of the 24 year-old Imam Muqtada Al-Sadr, are composed of a faction of unhappy citizens, most with ties to the old Iraqi regime and Iran. Moreover inspiring the revolt led by the young imam are many cases of personal vendettas and power struggles.
This is what we learn from an interview conducted with Wael Al-Rukadi, vice-secretary general of the Council of Iraqi Tribes.
Wael, 42, lives in the Shiite-majority town of Nassiriyah, where the Italian military is headquartered in Iraq. In the past, Wael was a journalist. After the fall of the Hussein government he took up politics.
During an exclusive phone interview with AsiaNews, Wael expresses solidarity with Italian forces in Nassiriyah and said that a withdrawal foreign troops before any power transition "would only lead to chaos".
The media are talking about a "Shiite revolt". Does such unity exist among Shiites in support of Imam Muqtada Al-Sadr?
Absolutely not. Sayyed (the imam's honorary title) Muqtada Al-Sadr does not enjoy the total support of all Shiites. On the contrary, many Shiites are against him. Most Shiites are do not support him and thus keep their distance.
What makes him capable of threatening Iraq's internal stability?
Weapons. He supporters resort to force and weapons. This explains why the whole press is talking about him.
Why is Sayyed Al-Sadr filled with so much hatred for the Coalition and PGC?
Underlying everything is his wish to take part in the PGC, from which he and his followers have been excluded. I think that his inability to become noticed and carry out his desires is one reason behind his hatred. Sayyed Al-Sadr's wishes to destabilize the internal situation. And this explains why he has attempted escape from a court order for his capture on charges of homicide. Finally there is another reason: that of external forces, which in his opinion, are trying to destabilize the country.
Which external forces does he refer to?
To Iran. And to Iranian secret service agents present wherever in Shiite regions. Iranian intelligence travel around freely. They have power in the media and a very strong influence in a certain press publication.
Imam Muqtada Al-Sadr, however, rejects Shiite and Persian Margia'a (infallible spiritual leaders). He tends to create one composed of only Arab leaders What is your opinion?
A Shiite becomes a Margia'a when he is worthy of being followed and is well-learned. He is also someone who sets exemplar moral and spiritual standards, in the sense that he can serve as a model to others. Muqtada Al-Sadr, has no possibility of becoming a Margia'a. He's too young, not wise enough and does not have a high level of education.
The little support he enjoys comes from some imams in mosques and from other forces, which are in union with him for totally political and non-religious motives.
The people of Falluja, for example, want to magnify the so-called "Intifada" or people's revolt, which in reality doesn't exist. With such actions they are trying to force Coalition troops to leave Iraq, and this really makes me laugh.
However the growing number of victims will increase a boomerang effect against them. Soon people will begin to express their own refusal to follow Sayyed Muqtada Al-Sadr's actions.
Is there support for Al Sadr from within the country?
A minority of hot-headed youth between the ages of 20-25 stand behind him. In terms of Shiite support, there are made up of faithful followers of his father, Imam Mohamed Sadek Al-Sadr. Yet no political party or Iraqi Shiite organization supports him. Sayyed Al-Sadr gathers support from the old system, the BAATH party oligarchy, which remains outside positions of government power, like him.
It's strange to see an alliance between a Shiite advocate and ex-BAAS Party members. But the latter are willing to join hands with devil, even for obtaining their own political goals.
Who can calm down the young rebellious Imam?
Surely Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Al-Sistani. The Ayatollah is known for his rejection of violence and for resolving problems peacefully. A firm decision on his part would immediately cause As-Sadr's followers to withdraw their support.
Ayatollah Al-Sistani has urged people to stay calm. But why does he delay in making a firm intervention?
I believe ayatollah Al-Sistani is against all inter-Shiite division. He's a calm and wise man. He prefers not getting involved in hopeless diatribes. Before stating his opinion he wants to be certain of the sure obedience to his mandates by Sayyed Muqtada Al-Sadr's followers.
It's clear that a peaceful solution should concur with some concessions by Coalition forces. This can be found in the release of some innocent prisoners or by considering giving a role to Sayyed Muqtada Al-Sadr's minority group in the PGC, assigning them power according to popular vote.
Democratically speaking, if he were really to have the support of voters, even Sayyed Al-Sadr could play a political role in the future government. The Americans must make some concessions so that Iraqi's don't feel humiliated.
As a Shiite how do you view the presence of foreign troops in Iraq?
Any withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq at this time before a transition of power, elections and return to stability would only lead to chaos and all-out civil war in Iraq.
But Italian carabinieri troops were attacked in Nassiriyah
The Italian soldiers are much loved by the people of Nassiriyah. Triggering the violent incidents were people from the outside, to be exact, from Falluja and the western part of the country. These were actually people from Falluja who brought sophisticated weapons to the city. "The (Italian) soldiers never opened fire first nor did they act as the aggressors. They only defended themselves.
I'll say it again: Italian soldiers are much loved by our people. The local population is in favor of returning to stability and the disarmament of those troops who shouldn't be in possession of weapons.
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