.Ali al-Fadhily

Clerics Begin to Take Over

By Ali al-Fadhily*
Inter Press Service
Sep 10, 2007

BAGHDAD, Sep 10 (IPS) - Religious clerics are beginning to play an increasingly powerful role in Iraq. Many Iraqis now fear that they are endangering human rights and religious freedom in the once largely secular country.

Clerics began to play a major role since the U.S.-led occupation began in April 2003. Despite the promises of U.S. President George W. Bush to turn Iraq into a secular and free country, clerics have become the real leaders, and are beginning to control most political matters.