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Iranian Ayatollah Becomes New ‘Poster Boy’ in Iraq as American Troops Withdraw

Sep. 26, 2012 9:35am Erica Ritz

(TheBlaze/AP) — After years of growing influence, a new sign of Iran’s presence in Iraq has hit the streets. Thousands of actual signs, that is, that are depicting Iran’s supreme leader gently smiling to a population once mobilized against the Islamic Republic in eight years of war.

The campaign underscores widespread doubts over just how independent Iraq and its majority Shiite Muslim population can remain from its eastern neighbor, the region’s Shiite heavyweight, now that U.S. troops have left the country.

The posters of Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei first appeared in at least six Shiite neighborhoods in Baghdad and across Iraq’s Shiite-dominated south in August, as part of an annual pro-Palestinian observance started years ago by Iran. They have conspicuously remained up since then, and the Associated Press is jokingly referring to the man as Iraq’s new “poster boy.”

“When I see these pictures, I feel I am in Tehran, not Baghdad,” said Asim Salman, 44, a Shiite and owner of a Baghdad cafe. “Authorities must remove these posters, which make us angry.”

Ayatollah Becomes Poster Boy in Iraq as Iranian Influence Spreads and American Troops Withdraw

(Photo: AP/Karim Kadim)

In Basra, located 550 kilometers (340 miles) south of the capital, they hang near donation boxes decorated with scripts in both countries’ languages — Arabic and Farsi.

A senior official in Baghdad’s local government said municipal workers fear retribution from Shiite militias loyal to Iran in if they take them down. He himself spoke on condition anonymity out of concerns for his safety.

One such militia, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, even boasted that it launched the poster campaign, part of a trend that’s chipping away at nearly a decade’s worth of U.S.-led efforts to bring a Western-style democracy here.

Sheik Ali al-Zaidi, a senior official in the militia, said they distributed some 20,000 posters of Khamenei across Iraq. He said Khamenei “enjoys public support all over the world” including Iraq, where he “is hailed as a political and religious leader.”

Asaib Ahl al-Haq, or Band of the People of Righteousness, carried out deadly attacks against U.S. troops before their withdrawal last year. This month, the group threatened U.S. interests in Iraq as part of the backlash over a film mocking the Prophet Muhammad.

Iraqi and U.S. intelligence officials have estimated that Iran sends the militia about $5 million in cash and weapons each month. The officials believe there are fewer than 1,000 Asaib Ahl al-Haq militiamen, and that their leaders live in Iran.

(Photo: AP/Nabil al-Jurani)

Tensions between Iraq and Iran have never fully dissipated over their 1980-1988 war that left nearly half a million dead. But Iran’s clout with Iraq’s Shiites picked up after Saddam Hussein’s fall from power in 2003, and, in many ways, accelerated since the U.S. military pulled out.

Iran has backed at least three Shiite militias in Iraq with weapons, training and millions of dollars in funding. Billion-dollar trade pacts have emerged between Tehran and Baghdad, and Iran has opened at least two banks in Iraq that are blacklisted by the United States.

Religious ties also have been renewed, with thousands of Iranian pilgrims visiting holy Shiite sites in Iraq daily, including in Najaf, where Iranian rials are as common a currency as Iraqi dinars, and Farsi is easily understood.

The posters may reflect a push among some Shiite groups for a clerical system similar to Iran’s. Tehran is widely believed to be lobbying for a member of its ruling theocracy, Grand Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, to succeed Iraq’s 81-year-old Shiite spiritual leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Al-Sistani opposes a formal political role for Iraq’s religious establishment, while Shahroudi is part of Iran’s system of “velayat-e-faqih,” or rule by Islamic clerics. Iraq’s Sunnis and Kurds, however, have no taste for blurring Shiite politics and religion.

Ever since the ouster of Saddam’s Sunni-dominated regime, political leaders in Iraq have sought to rebuild and strengthen relations with Iran, which has responded in kind. Many of Iraq’s Shiites sought sanctuary in Iran during Saddam’s reign, and some now hold key government posts.

Tehran has not been shy about wielding its influence. It was at Iran’s urging that hardline Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr grudgingly threw his political support behind longtime foe Nouri al-Maliki, allowing him to remain prime minister in 2010 after falling short in national elections.

In return, al-Maliki last year all but ignored Iranian military incursions on Kurdish lands in northern Iraq. The government also has delayed, and in al-Sadr’s case, quashed, arrest warrants on militants backed by Iranian forces and financiers.

In this Sept. 21, 2012, photo, Iraqis chant slogans as they hold posters of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei in Basra as part of a widespread protest allegedly about a YouTube video. (Photo: AP/Nabil al-Jurani)

Still, even some Iraqi Shiites, like the cleric al-Sadr and the cafe owner Salman, advocate retaining strong Iraqi nationalism and their Arab identity instead of becoming a Persian outpost.

Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh condemned the Khamenei posters and said they could add to the already-strained political unrest in the country. But he said the federal government is powerless to remove them.

“These posters are adding a new dispute in Iraq’s politics and they might lead to a negative impact,” al-Dabbagh said. “The local governments should deal with such situations,” he said.

Sunnis were less diplomatic in their assessment.

Hamid al-Mutlaq, a leading lawmaker, blasted the poster campaign, which he said shows Iran’s efforts to amass power in Iraq. Raad Abdul-Rahman, a government worker, said the posters prove that Iraq is becoming “a total Iranian stooge.”

“In the past, we used to encounter the pictures of the Arab dictator Saddam,” Abdul-Rahman said, referring to the posters and statues of the former president that used to be ubiquitous across Baghdad and the rest of the country. “But now pictures of the Persian dictator are taking over.”

___

Associated Press Writer Sameer N. Yacoub contributed to this report.

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Comments (31)

ChristandCountry
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 1:48pm
When do we learn our history? This same thing happened last time we got involved with Iran and Iraq. We don’t understand the region, are passive aggressive, and don’t ever finish anything there. Either we get in their and accomplish whatever our goals are, or just quit messing with them. People like the Ayatollah will always counter our moves because they know the people, how they think, and how to manipulate those in the region.

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thegreatcarnac
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 12:08pm
Muslims have done all of this before. There actions caused the Crusades. They had attacked Constantinople and killed Byzantine Christians. They had attacks going on into Europe. They blocked the Europeans access to visit Jerusalem and were destroying Christian churches and holy places. Thank God the Catholic church did organize a counter-attack called the crusades. Although some crusades were silly….the ones that involved troops and pushed back the Muslims were instrumental in saving Europer herself. Another Crusade is coming. It has to come or else.

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jungle J
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:55am
America needs to produce and stockpile napalm.

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Chromo200
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:03am
The muslims cannot live without being under authoritarian rule. What we did in Irag traded on murderer with another. The same in Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, .. And soon Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Indonesia, Afganistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and every muslim majority country.

Their religion does not allow free thinking.

This is why America has and must be energy independen by zero oil from the arabs, and see what will happen to them. They can’t eat sand or drink oil and they will have to pay top dollars for out wheat/rice and meat.

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:10am
  Listen, what did you think that the result would be when we decided to invade a nation under the false pretext of 9/11? The rest of the world isn’t as stupid as most Americans think. Our Middle East policy has been nothing but oppressive to the people living in that area, for 65 years. They’ve grown up under our induced oppression.
  
  Report this comment
- Sirfoldallot
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:14am
  Thank U Bush, a expensive hallmark u left us , oopps.
  
  Report this comment
HOOT_OWL
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:09am
Come on we know who should be up on that billboard.

We know who has done more for the Cause of Islam and the coming caliphate .

He has done more for them, more than anyone we know. They should be worshiping him.

And don’t tell me he’s a Christian like he said he was .

If he was Christian .why would he change his “Christian Name”
to MUSLIM one ..?

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- woodyee
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:17am
  …and born to the promiscuity of a jackal…
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:26am
  If you are talking Obama, he was born with a muslim name.
  
  Report this comment
- NOTMOHAMMED
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 12:36pm
  Hopefully, he’ll die with it too. The sooner the better.
  
  Report this comment
Walkabout
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:02am
It will be a bad day when Sistani dies.Something evil will fill his shoes.

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- MONICNE
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:25am
  S;
  Let me know how things go with the orthopedist. I am assuming that you will take Erin to practice. If Grant and Kira are both going to swimming, I might just take them and walk on the RecPlex treadmill while they swim. Let me know your thoughts on that, and I’ll plan to be home at 6 to take them.
  
  The buns need to be eaten, so chicken patties are one dinner idea. Otherwise the kids will get them for lunch tomorrow. J
  There is plenty of rice (more in the basement) and lettuce. I brought up the new bag of cuties, but the 2 pears are probably ready to eat.
  Thanks, kisses
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:37am
  Don’t forget, we need milk and bread. Xoxoxo :-)
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:54am
  “He has consistently urged the Iraqi Shia not to respond in kind to attacks from Sunni Salafists, ” -wiki
  
  I stand by words Monicne, Trollson.
  
  Report this comment
- MONICNE
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 12:03pm
  @Anonymous T:
  
  Just milk unless the sandwich buns are eaten!
  
  LOL Busted. Too much Multi-tasking again.
  
  tee hee
  
  Report this comment
woodyee
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 9:47am
“A senior official in Baghdad’s local government said municipal workers fear retribution from Shiite militias loyal to Iran in if they take them down. He himself spoke on condition anonymity out of concerns for his safety.”

Iraq, it’s over. Thank Gaybama for emboldening our enemies. Look to the skies. If you see Israel defending herself against nuclear threats from Iran, join them! Remember, the enemy of your enemy is your friend…

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- Walkabout
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:06am
  4 way fight in the Middle East. established governments versus Iran versus Muslim Brotherhood versus Israel.
  
  Next act opens October 10th. Mass demonstrations by 50,000 people.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:22am
  That would certainly thin the Islamic herd some. Maybe a new Renaissance will rise after the conflagration? Maybe just wishful thinking.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:22am
  Cavallo
  I would hope after such a bloodbath that the Muslims would act like the Europeans did after the religious wars such as the 30 Years War. I don;t hold out for much hope for that.
  
  The Black Death & the Mongol Hordes hit the Muslims world hard & put therm into shock. So there is some hope.
  
  Report this comment
Steve28
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 9:46am
That is what happens when you leave you open a vaccuum and it is filled by the most radical strong armed elements as those that seek peace are not willing to die for it like the radicals are.

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Gary_K
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 9:46am
Do you all feel like you have been lied to by barry yet?

America, WAKE UP.

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- PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:12am
  Barry is just the latest doing the bidding of the NWO and the UN. This goes directly back to the CFR and the Trilateral Commission read up on it at http://www.augustforecast.com . Scroll down and on the right side of the page click on “What is the Trilateral Commission?” And who was the first president trained and supported by these globalists….CARTER, then George H. Bush, then Clinton, then Cheney with GWB. Now, the mid-east ayatollah do not want OUR NWO (corporate capitalism) they want their NWO a Caliphate (sharia law) which is slavery .
  http://www.sultanknish.blogspot.com/2011/11/Islam-religion-of-slavery.html
  
  Either way we are slaves…There will be a war over who will enslave us all. Corporate or Sharia?
  Both want Global Government Systems that destroy America’s Founding Principles…and they are both against the one true Holy Sovereign God of the Bible. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem day and night. Maranatha With Love.
  
  Report this comment
Gonzo
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 9:45am
How many Americans gave their lives to bring Khamenei to Iraq?

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- Walkabout
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:06am
  Around 4 1/2 thousand did once Obama was elected.
  
  Report this comment
GeorgeWashingtonslept here
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 9:44am
It’s just a matter of time……………the clock is ticking…..

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ares338
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 9:42am
When will we learn to GTF out of these sand pits? It is very thinly veiled that the only interest we have is in the oil. Wake up America! DRILL OUR OWN OIL! Quit throwing away American lives on people who hate us.

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- johnjamison
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:03am
  Exactly quit throwing U.S. tax dollars and U.S. tax dollars to these countries….GTFO and build America economy from the inside via,oil drilling ,coal liquifacation, natural gas,and methane gas expansions. Our fore father knew what would make America strong was it’s ability to be a self suffient country that hasn’t changed what’s changed is our government breaching the public trust going against the peoples will propping up nations,and waging wars to feed the military industrial complex what’s changed is our government bowing to U.N. pressure in violation of not only the spirit but tha actual text of the constitution.
  WE HAVE TAXATION WITHOUT TRUE REPRESENTATION
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 10:04am
  The Great & Merciful Obama has decreed that we shall build on windmills & solar panels. Coal production & oil drilling are strictly forbidden.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:14am
  That would be until people start installing solar panels and windmills themselves. Then the regulations to prevent them from doing so will come down the pike. Why they just can’t have people taking themselves off the grid (made super expensive and unreliable). The EPA (along with the DOE) will make it cost prohibitive for anyone outside a government agency to construct such things (Sooner or later the cost of private energy sources will become more affordable .. assuming the society doesn’t collapse first). The main point of renewable energy on a national level is not energy independence, but rather the destruction of wealth, increasing the cost of energy, and decreasing the standard of living.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:28am
  Cavallo
  
  I agree with everything you said. I am for alternative energy & have been ever since the horrors of the Carter Years. It is aw ay to live off grid & not be subject to poor government. It was a way to be a prepper before the name was coined & the left took notice 3 decades later. Ya the left is just that swift.
  
  I tell my kids to be preppers. On foot in this world so you don’t fall behind & one foot in the next.
  
  Report this comment
- thegreatcarnac
  Posted on September 26, 2012 at 11:29am
  ARES…I agree. We can be energy independent or close to it. Obama and other presidents have had this infatuation with the Saudis> We give them a bundle of money every year for oil and they turn around and spend it on Islamic inroads into America.,,,,,. undermining us.
  
  Report this comment

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