(New York Times) - The revival of Iraq's historically holy city of Najaf may pose a serious threat to the rule of the hard-line ayatollahs in Iran. Najaf is expected to become the center of Shiite faith once again - as it was for more than 1,300 years - when influential clerics return from Qum, Iran, and begin teaching at its seminaries. Some high-ranking Iranian clerics who believe in freer religious studies have also said they would go to Najaf when stability returns. Analysts say Iran's status as the leader of Shiism will be undermined once Najaf develops its own brand of the faith, which is expected to be more moderate than the one Iran favors.
2003-04-29 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive