The religious landscape of Iraq is complex and somewhat enigmatic to the western world. Nearly 97% of Iraq's 25 million people are Muslim — with a majority of Iraqis being Shiite rather than Sunni. What does that mean? And how powerful is the prominent cleric Ayotollah Ali al Sistani who has effectively challenged to the American-led coalition. Could he become another Islamic revolutionary like Iran's Allotollah Khomeini?
As part of Iraq's rebuilding process, the Iraqi governing council has agreed on an interim constitution that cites Islam as a source — but not the primary source — of future legislation. Host Krista Tippett speaks at length with Iraqi-American professor and advisor, Ahmed al Rahim, for insight into the unfolding new relationship between Mosque and State in Iraq.
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