Cleric says violence in Iraq's south is making enemies for U.S

Cleric says violence in Iraq's south is making enemies for U.S.

By MARIAM FAM, Associated Press


Last Updated: May 24, 2004, 12:21:00 PM PDT


KARBALA, Iraq (AP) - A senior Shiite cleric warned Monday that clashes between U.S. troops and the Shiite militia of radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr could create enemies for America - even after U.S. troops leave Iraq.

"This war has planted a lasting strife in our country," Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Taqi al-Modaresi told The Associated Press as he sat cross-legged in a bare room

"Even if the Americans withdraw from Iraq, the Shiites have patience and perseverance," al-Modaresi said, implying that angry relatives would likely hold grudges against the Americans for many years.

Al-Modaresi, who has tried to mediate between the U.S.-run coalition and al-Sadr, said he feared those who suffered at the hands of the Americans during the nearly 2-month-long uprising might try to "harm American and Western interests."

http://www.modbee.com/24hour/global/story/1391378p-8652451c.html