The United States has strongly criticized an apparent hit list published by Israel’s Channel 14 that features Grand Ayatollah Sistani, calling for restraint in the publication as well as cautioning against actions carried out against him because of his role as a peace advocate in the region. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski appealed for restraint in publishing Shia clerics along with the nation’s enemies and the publication should restrain further.
At a time when increasing anger in the Middle East, particularly among Shias who feel this incident was a highly strung provocation, Washington must take a rhetoric political stance as U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for al-Sistani.
Israeli extreme right-wing Channel 14 was broadcasting footage with pictures of Hezbollah’s deputy secretary, Naim Qassem, and Hamas’ Yahya Sinwar, but had an impression of al-Sistani all over it. The open act of provocation against al-Sistani has been an affront in Iraq as he is revered highly.
One of the most venerable clerics in Najaf, Iraq, is 94 years old and had long been an inspiration to stand against extremist threats when in 2014 he urged a fight against ISIL. His appeals have again and again prompted major mobilizations, most notably the establishment of militia forces that became one of the most important elements in the region.
Iraqi officials, which also include the National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Araji, labeled the Channel 14 broadcast as a “serious provocation” and called for immediate international response to it. The presidency of Iraq referred to this act as a serious provocation that could further escalate the situation in the region and lead to violence.
However, until now, expectations are that al-Sistani may issue a religious decree, a fatwa, which would rally Shia communities worldwide and have a tremendous impact on geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
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