Iraq’s premier Shiite cleric, the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has reacted to the now widespread publication of caricatures of the prophet Mohammed (previous posts here and here). From the Washington Post:

Iraq’s top Shiite cleric condemned the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammed as angry Muslims protested across Asia on Friday. Several European newspapers defiantly reprinted the cartoons.

Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, however, made no call for protests and suggested that militant Muslims were partly to blame for distorting Islam’s image.

…

“We strongly denounce and condemn this horrific action,” al-Sistani said, alluding to the caricatures in remarks posted on his Web site and dated Jan. 31.

But al-Sistani, who wields enormous influence over Iraq’s majority Shiites, also referred to “misguided and oppressive” segments of the Muslim community and said their actions “projected a distorted and dark image of the faith of justice, love and brotherhood.”

At last, something approaching a reasonable Muslim response from a cleric who wields influence, albeit only among Iraqi Shia. Condemn the drawings, by all means, but do not call for physical retribution. And point out the damage that Islamic terrorism is doing the image of Muslims; far in excess of any damage a cartoon could do.

This is another demonstration of the importance of Iraq in the long term struggle that faces the world; if moderate Islamic thinkers are to emerge, publicly promulgate their ideas, and gain influence, it will only happen in an atmosphere of democracy and relative religious freedom. That’s a very long term goal, but all the more reason to have planted the seeds now.

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