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CNN Live Saturday
Influential Shia Cleric Visits Holy City of Karbala
Aired May 24, 2003 - 14:32 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: An influential Shia cleric visited Iraq's holy city of Karbala today for the first time since his return from exile in Iran. And CNN's Matthew Chance just happened to be there.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Led through the crowds inside the sacred Hussein mosque, one of Iraq's most beloved and influential religious leaders. Hundreds of men and women of all ages gathered, waving banners and portraits of their ayatollah.
After 23 years exiled in Iran, Mohammed Baqer Al-Khakim has returned as a figure who many want to see dominate Iraq's political future. Not everyone in Karbala is a supporter, but when he speaks here, people do listen.
"We reject occupation," he told them. "Iraqis know best how to rule themselves. We must now work for a government that is representative, but respects Islam," he says. It is a message carefully delivered not to alienate Washington or appear too weak over here.
(on camera): These scenes will only fuel debate and stoke fears about what kind of country Iraq will become. Not everybody wants it, but Ayatollah Khakim and other clerics like him are now pushing hard for a more powerful Shia role in this country's future government.
(voice-over): The town of Karbala is a religious center for Iraq's majority Shia. Many here do want a bigger role for Islam. Still, there are doubts about Ayatollah Khakim, who has close ties to Iran. Few want Iranian-style religious rule here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We want an Islamic government. It makes no difference if it's Khakim or anyone else, as long as he rules justly.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): An Islamic government isn't what Iraq needs. We need a pluralistic democracy. I lived in Iran for 25 years and saw nothing good come from Iran, or Ayatollah Khakim.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As a religious figure, I trust him. But politically, he does not represent the Iraqi people.
CHANCE: Elections may still be two years away. But now, at least, the future, though uncertain, can be freely discussed.
Matthew Chance, CNN, Karbala, central Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired May 24, 2003 - 14:32 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: An influential Shia cleric visited Iraq's holy city of Karbala today for the first time since his return from exile in Iran. And CNN's Matthew Chance just happened to be there.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Led through the crowds inside the sacred Hussein mosque, one of Iraq's most beloved and influential religious leaders. Hundreds of men and women of all ages gathered, waving banners and portraits of their ayatollah.
After 23 years exiled in Iran, Mohammed Baqer Al-Khakim has returned as a figure who many want to see dominate Iraq's political future. Not everyone in Karbala is a supporter, but when he speaks here, people do listen.
"We reject occupation," he told them. "Iraqis know best how to rule themselves. We must now work for a government that is representative, but respects Islam," he says. It is a message carefully delivered not to alienate Washington or appear too weak over here.
(on camera): These scenes will only fuel debate and stoke fears about what kind of country Iraq will become. Not everybody wants it, but Ayatollah Khakim and other clerics like him are now pushing hard for a more powerful Shia role in this country's future government.
(voice-over): The town of Karbala is a religious center for Iraq's majority Shia. Many here do want a bigger role for Islam. Still, there are doubts about Ayatollah Khakim, who has close ties to Iran. Few want Iranian-style religious rule here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We want an Islamic government. It makes no difference if it's Khakim or anyone else, as long as he rules justly.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): An Islamic government isn't what Iraq needs. We need a pluralistic democracy. I lived in Iran for 25 years and saw nothing good come from Iran, or Ayatollah Khakim.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As a religious figure, I trust him. But politically, he does not represent the Iraqi people.
CHANCE: Elections may still be two years away. But now, at least, the future, though uncertain, can be freely discussed.
Matthew Chance, CNN, Karbala, central Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
