22nd June: The Shia Khafaja tribe in Iraq is volunteering every able bodied man to the government in Baghdad to fight Daash. Shaikh Raad al-Khafaji has converted his tribes guesthouse into a recruitment centre for volunteers. Many from his tribe were fighting in Syria protecting Shia shrines there. These fighters have now returned to fight Daash in Iraq.
22nd June: A third militant of Daash from its recruitment video has been identified as an Australian national Zakaryah Raad going by the nom de guerre, Abu Yahya ash Shamsi.
22nd June: Iraqi Kurdistan denies sending oil to Israel. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) denies selling oil either directly or indirectly to Israel. But confirms that it has sold crude oil from Kurdistan and will continue to sell Kurdish oil for liquidity and financial independence from Baghdad. Baghdad has cut Kurdistan from the Federal Budget.
22nd June: A third shipment of black gold was expected to leave Kurdistan via pipeline for Turkey today.
22nd June: The Kurdish frontier against Daash and it’s allies now stretched 600 miles.
22nd June: Sadr’s peace brigades are waiting for his signal to fan out to different provinces. They are looking to work closely with the Security Services to confront Daash.
22nd June: Security Forces deployed in Tal Afar made a sudden withdrawal towards Sinjar. Only elite forces were left behind to guard the airfield. The rest of the troops and tribal forces left for Sinjar. This could indicate a response to intelligence concerning Daash.
22nd June: Security Forces are claiming that a senior Daash commander was killed in clashes in Taf Afar.
22nd June: Some Christians Iraqis from Mosul are seeking protection in Iraqi Kurdistan. Others have decided to resist and are holed up in the Christian town of Bartella on the outskirts of Mosul. The Christian community of Iraq has slowly migrated Westward to North America and Europe.
22nd June: The Iraqi Airforce has carried out bombing raids on Fallujah. The neighbourhoods of Shuhada, Nazal, Al-Shurta, and Aljughaifi were targeted with shops and homes destroyed. Five caustics are being reported, one dead, four injured. The casualties were from the central market of Al-Naziza.
22nd June: Militants have captured two border crossings between Iraq and Syria and Iraq and Jordan. The crossing on the Jordanian border was the primary crossing between the two countries. Only be border crossing Syria and Iraq is now with the government. The Kurds control another ne, the rest are with the rebels.
22nd June: After taking the Al-Qaim on Saturday, rebels have consolidated their position by taking the nearby towns of Rawa and Ana.
22nd June: Nechervan Barzani, the Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan says that he warned the US about Daash months in advance. He also states that he had told Nouri Al-Maliki about the threat of Daash 6 months earlier and proposed joint operations to fight the threat, but was declined by Baghdad. Nouri Al-Maliki, according to him said, “everything is fine.”
22nd June: Abu Khabib al-Jazaeeri, who was a Saudi national and a senior commander of Daash, has been killed in Baiji. Two other Saudi nationals, both brothers, Yahya and Ebrahim were reported killed in Samarra earlier in the week.
22nd June: Iraqi airforce struck at militants in Tikrit. The government claims that 42 militants were killed.
22nd June:clashes between the Iraqi army and Daash militants in Tikrit have killed a number of militants and an advisor to Tikrit’s governor, Amaya al-Jbara, she was killed by militants. The clashes took place in the east of Tikrit at Al-Alam. Security forces were being aided by tribal fighters.
22nd June: Security Forces and members of the Awakening Council in
Haditha are cooperating against Daash and have called a curfew to maintain law and order.
22nd June: the Iraqi Government releases videos of airstrikes it carried out in Mosul.
22nd June: A 15 year old settle boy is killed in firing from Syria. He is the first Israeli casualty of the Arab Spring.
Saker Message:
Thx for the update. Any news of Iranian involvement?
*****
The Zionist entity was elected as vice-chair of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, in a new human rights farce.
The committee deals with matters related to the Palestinian cause, like probing the Israeli occupation to Palestine, following the international resolutions on this cause and investigating the Israeli violations to the international law and human rights.
*****
full article here:
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?fromval=1&cid=56&frid=56&eid=157496
.
“Nora said….,
les,
Wow. But I think you inadvertently made my point when you mentioned that Lebanese leadership took over in 1993 and resolved whatever problems they had had before. Also, I’m going to disagree with you about leaders emerging — not all leaders ever are good, but difficult times bring out various latent abilities in people that would otherwise have gone unused. I’ve seen it happen and helped it happen, both. And it doesn’t take long to recognize an opportunist; the problem generally is finding a suitable replacement before things get too far out of hand. Also, there has never yet been a perfect, flawless leader. Except one, the Son of God.”
Dearest Sister,
You missed the point both les and Mindfriedo were making. And, i hope that I don’t offend you by the following.
Hassan Nasrallah is nobody and his success has nothing to do with his leadership.
His success has to do with Imam Hussain (as) sacrifice, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (saws), the son of Bibi Fatima (as) and Imam Ali (as) and the brother of Imam Hassan (as).
The central theme of the Holy Quran is that mankind is an oppressor. Adam and Eve were told not to go near the tree lest you become oppressors. The tree didn’t have any significance. Adam and Eve used their “free will” the very first time and approached the tree. God being Infinite Mercy, forgave them both and sent them to earth for a while for enjoyment.
Imam Hussain (as) stood up against the oppressor by sacrificing almost the whole family of the Prophet Mohammad (saws). A self sacrifice in the utmost sense.
This is what a Red Shia is. He/she will stand up to any aggression (oppression) against anyone in a peaceful way. She/he will sacrifice their own life, their own blood (Red Shia) for peace and harmony against oppression.
A Black Shia will mourn the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions year after year. He/she will wear black mourning clothes, as Hassan Nasrallah does every year.
Self sacrifice is in the upbringing and in the blood of each Shia. Shia are very peaceful and they shun becoming ruling class lest they become oppressors.
Shia are the true disciples of Prince of Peace, Jesus (as)
Best regards,
Mohamed.
“Anonymous said…
*****
The Zionist entity was elected as vice-chair of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, in a new human rights farce.”
I wonder if “The pot will call the kettle black” ~:) lol
Best regards,
Mohamed.
anglos sponsored and trained terrorists are what ISIS are.proxi war in many fronts.
I said ebfore and I say again-3rd world war started after libayn attack only the victims like stupid russia china india odnto knwo about it. and this 3rd world war is to be doenb one by one not al together so india chiana nd russia along with germany will be taken one by one b efore these stupid countries get intelligence to counter the anglos.
@ Everybody,
In Shia Islam, no Grand Ayatollah and/or Ayatollah has the authority to issue a religious edict to call for a “Holy War (War for Religion”). Only the Prophets and Imam can do the following with the direct instructions from God.
In Sunni Islam, every Tom, Dick and Harry can issue issue a religious edict to call for a “Holy War (War for Religion”). All Sunni Muslims throughout the world have to follow.
During the 8 years war between Iraq and Iran.
1. Saddam and his religious thugs issued religious edicts calling for a “Holy War (War for Religion”), every so often. The Sunnis joined Iraq from whole over the world.
2. Grand Ayatollah Khomeini (ra) couldn’t do the same.
3. People suggested to him to issue a “Jihad for Country Defense”. He refused to do so.
4. Saddam used Mustard Gas against Iran. Grand Ayatollah Khomeini (ra) refused to do so in retaliation.
5. Now Grand Ayatollah Sistani (ra) has the very first time in Shia Islam issued a “Jihad for Country Defense”.
Once Iraq will settle down, there is going to be a big, big debate in Shia Islam. I believe Grand Ayatollah Sistani (ra) will lose quite a number of his followers. If not then the Shia Islam will be on its dead bed.
Best regards,
Mohamed.
@Mohamed:In Shia Islam, no Grand Ayatollah and/or Ayatollah has the authority to issue a religious edict to call for a “Holy War (War for Religion”). Only the Prophets and Imam can do the following with the direct instructions from God.
Very interesting, I did not know that. Question: since Islam says that the Prophet Mohammed is the last of all prophets (which the Nation of Islam in the USA seems to ignore with their “prophet” Elijah Mohammed) I suppose that the only way for a Shia to declare a War for Religion is through an Imam. My question is this: what it take to become an Imam and who has the authority to declare that an a person X is, indeed, an Imam worthy of that title and authority?
I remember that Khomeini was called and “Imam” but not Ali Khamenei. Is there an Imam alive today in your opinion?
Also, the last time I cheched Hassan Nasrallah held the title of Hojatoleslam which, I think, means “Proof of Islam”. Is there a possibility that he might become Ayatollah or Grand Ayatollah one day, if yes, why, if no, why and does what difference, if any, would it make to the Lebanese Shia.
Finally, as far as I remember Hassan Nasrallah individually, and possibly Hezbollah as a whole, had made a deliberate decision to become followers of Ali Khamenei and not the Lebanese Sheikh Fadlallah who since passed away. Who is now the highest Shia religious authority in Lebanon? Could it be a follower of Ali Khamenei like Hassan Nasrallah?
Many thanks in advance for your time and replies.
Kind regards,
The Saker
“Saker said,
Very interesting, I did not know that. Question: since Islam says that the Prophet Mohammed is the last of all prophets (which the Nation of Islam in the USA seems to ignore with their “prophet” Elijah Mohammed) I suppose that the only way for a Shia to declare a War for Religion is through an Imam. My question is this: what it take to become an Imam and who has the authority to declare that an a person X is, indeed, an Imam worthy of that title and authority?
I remember that Khomeini was called and “Imam” but not Ali Khamenei. Is there an Imam alive today in your opinion?”
Hi Saker,
Imam means leader. In Shia Islam, we have 12 Imams. They are the children of Prophet Mohammad (saws), Bibi Fatima (as) and Imam Ali (as). The 12th Imam, his name is Mohammad (as), but he is called Imam al-Mahdi (The Guide). He is in hiding like Prince of Peace, Jesus (as), and they both will appear together and try to bring all mankind under the Kingdom of God. They both have the authority to call Jihad for Religion.
In Shia Islam there has to be God’s representative on earth at all times. Both Jesus (as) and Mahdi (as) are God’s representative on earth at this time.
Jesus (as) with his mother Bibi Mariam (as) is helping the mankind on earth. So is Mahdi (as) and his great, great grandmother Bibi Fatima (as) doing the same too. I am pretty sure that you believe in the miracle of Lady of Fatima.
Also, the last time I cheched Hassan Nasrallah held the title of Hojatoleslam which, I think, means “Proof of Islam”. Is there a possibility that he might become Ayatollah or Grand Ayatollah one day, if yes, why, if no, why and does what difference, if any, would it make to the Lebanese Shia.
If Hassan Nasrallah wants be to an Ayatollah, he has the do the following:
1. Leave Hezbollah
2. Study under a Grand Ayatollah or Ayatollah.
3. Get certified.
4. Create followers.
Since Imam Mahdi (as) is in occultation, therefore the Shia can only do Taqlid (imitation) of either a Grand Ayatollah or an Ayatollah of their own choosing. So, in a household each person picks their own Grand Ayatollah or Ayatollah.
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani (ra) has the greatest followers throughout the world, therefore he collects the highest charity. I follow him. He has representative in almost each country, including Lebanon. My son used to follow Ayatollah Syed Fadlallah (ra). After his death, I think he now follows Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani (ra).
If Hassan Nasrallah (ra) is Hojatoleslam, he might be a representative of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (ra). I am not sure though!
The difference between Syed and Shaikh. A Syed is a from the roots of Prophet (saws), Bibi Fatima (as) and Imam Ali (as). He can only wear a black turban. Like Syed Hassan Nasrallah, Syed Fadlallah, Syed Khamenei, Syed Khomeini, Syed Sistani ….
A Shaikh can be a Grand Ayatollah and/or Ayatollah, but not being a Syed, he cannot wear a black turban. He can only wear white turban, like Hassan Rouhani, Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani ….
The difference between Grand Ayatollah and Ayatollah I believe is based on numbers of followers, which again is based on experience.
Best regards,
Mohamed.
Thank you Mohammad, you have given a very helpful summary! As I understand it each Shi’ite person has a “marja9” – or “one you defer to” in matters of religious decisions. While (for the Shia) it is the obligation of each Muslim to strive towards complete theological understanding ( = ‘jihad’, which for the Shia is NOT a physical struggle against other people), it is recognized that due to work, family, and gifting – not all can achieve adequate understanding to make rightly guided choices for their life. Therefore, they defer to a ‘marja9’ who by study and dedication becomes responsible for their spiritual direction.
There were three well known ‘marja9’ leaders, then the Lebanese Sheikh Fadlallah passed away. Has another emerged? (In the late 90’s there was another little known ‘marja9’ living in a village – Biyad, near Qana – in south Lebanon. I am not sure if he is still alive.)
As I understand it, a marja9’s ruling is only applicable for those that follow him. In other words, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani (ra) can only speak for those he leads, not the whole Shia community.
So Mohammad, based on this understanding, I have the following question:
Is Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani’s (ra) call controversial 1) because he is making a ruling for the whole Shia community and/0r 2) because he also is applying the Shia idea of ‘jihad’ to a physical struggle against a group of people.
Could you please help clarify this? Thank you!
Interesting article by M K Bhadrakumar. Iran has made it clear that they think the Empire is behind what happened in Iraq. Regime change.
http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2014/06/22/khamenei-speaks-up-on-iraq/
Again, Mohammad: would you comment on the following news highlighted by Vlad?
“Ayatollah Ali Khamenei broke his silence on the Iraq developments on Sunday… made four key points:
A) “The hegemonic Western powers, especially the US” are responsible for the crisis in Iraq. B) The US instigated the crisis to upturn the results of the recent parliamentary elections in Iraq so as to “dominate Iraq and bring to power those who obey it”. C) The US is trying to portray the conflict as a Sunni-Shia sectarian war, which is not at all the case, since the “main elements behind the seditions” in northern Iraq are as much opposed to the “faithful” Sunnis as well as those who cherish their country’s independence as much as they are opposed to the Shi’ites. D) Tehran opposes foreign intervention in Iraq.”
“He voiced Iran’s opposition to the foreign intervention in Iraq, and said, “We believe that the Iraqi government and nation and the country’s religious leadership are able to end the sedition and God willing, they will end it.””
My question – is this a subtle warning or rebuke to Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani’s (ra) for his statement?
Mohamed,
I’m not avoiding you; I’m still trying to figure out a response! I will, I promise, but I really need to chew on this a bit!
I just came across an article that confirms information posted previously on the origin of ISIS from syrianperspective.com. This new information is from a completely independent source – an insider from a pro-western bloc – and it confirms what was speculation about control of oil and energy routes and resource in the area.
***
Christof Lehmann (http://nsnbc.me/2014/06/22/u-s-embassy-in-ankara-headquarter-for-isis-war-on-iraq-hariri-insider/):
The green light for the use of ISIS brigades to carve up Iraq, widen the Syria conflict into a greater Middle East war and to throw Iran off-balance was given behind closed doors at the Atlantic Council meeting in Turkey, in November 2013, told a source close to Saudi – Lebanese billionaire Saad Hariri, adding that the U.S. Embassy in Ankara is the operation’s headquarter. A “trusted source” close to the Saudi – Lebanese multi-billionaire and former Lebanese P.M. Saad Hariri told on condition of anonymity, that the final green light for the war on Iraq with ISIS or ISIL brigades was given behind closed doors, at the sidelines of the Atlantic Council’s Energy Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 22 – 23, 2013…
“Had Baghdad been more cooperative about the Syrian oil fields at Deir-Ez-Zor in early 2013 and about autonomy for the North (Iraq’s northern, predominantly Kurdish region) they would possibly not have turned against al-Maliki; Or he would have been given more time”, said the Hariri insider during the almost two-hour-long conversation…
In March 2013, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry demanded that Iraq “stops the arms flow to Syria”, while U.S. weapons were flowing to ISIS via Saudi Arabia into Iraq and Jordan… “ISIS that was supposed to control (the region around) Deir Ez-Zor. (Turkish Energy Minister Taner) Yildiz and (Kurdish Energy Minister Ashti) Hawrami were to make sure the oil could flow via the Kirkuk – Ceyhan (pipeline);… Ankara put al-Maliki under a lot of pressure about the Kurdish autonomy and oil, too much pressure, too early, if you’d ask me”, the source said. He added that the pressure backfired…A previous article in nsnbc explains how Baghdad’s blockade caused problems in Jordan, because many of the transports of weapons, fighters and munitions had to be rerouted via Jordan…
“Who exactly pressured Obama? I don’t know who delivered the message to Obama. I suspect Kerry had a word. It’s more important from where the message came, Kissinger, Scowcroft, Nuland and the Keagan clan, Stavridis, Petreaus, Riccardione, and the neo-con crowd at the (Atlantic) Council. … As far as I know ´someone` told Obama that he’d better pressure al-Maliki to go along with Kurdish autonomy by November or else. Who exactly ´advised` Obama is no not as important as the fact that those people let him know that they would go ahead, with, or without him”.
+++
From this information (see the article above for more details) it seems that the breakup of Iraq and the formation of both an ISIS caliphate and a Kurdish entity (whatever the west will call it) is secondary to the bigger goal of control over the worlds largest (readily available)energy reserves.
“les said…,
As I understand it, a marja9’s ruling is only applicable for those that follow him. In other words, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani (ra) can only speak for those he leads, not the whole Shia community.
So Mohammad, based on this understanding, I have the following question:
Is Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani’s (ra) call controversial 1) because he is making a ruling for the whole Shia community and/0r 2) because he also is applying the Shia idea of ‘jihad’ to a physical struggle against a group of people”
Salam Dearest les,
Your understanding is correct. His call is not for:
1. His followers.
2. For the Shia worldwide.
3. For the Muslims worldwide.
4. His call is for only Iraqis, irregardless of their faith. Whether they are Muslims (Shia, Sunni …), Christians, Jews, Kurds and so forth. For all Iraqis.
By calling it a Jihad, he is giving them a “Free Card to Heaven”, if they become Martyr.
The question is: Does he have this authority?
Or maybe, I am wrong and not seeing it properly, as to quote you, “2) because he also is applying the Shia idea of ‘jihad’ to a physical struggle against a group of people”
In the above case, one is allowed to defend their nation and/or homes. But you are correct that struggle is not “Free Card to Heaven”, if they become Martyr. God’s Judgment will be still applicable on the Judgement Day.
Best regards,
Mohamed.
“les said…
Again, Mohammad: would you comment on the following news highlighted by Vlad?
“Ayatollah Ali Khamenei broke his silence on the Iraq developments on Sunday… made four key points:
C) The US is trying to portray the conflict as a Sunni-Shia sectarian war, which is not at all the case, since the “main elements behind the seditions” in northern Iraq are as much opposed to the “faithful” Sunnis as well as those who cherish their country’s independence as much as they are opposed to the Shi’ites.”
Dear les,
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (ra) is right that it is not “sectarian”. It is a fight against “Tafkiris” who are not Muslim. And, fight against the Baathists remnants of the Saddam’s Regime. The Baathists are mostly Sunnis, but there are some Shias, Christians, Jews, Kurds and so forth.
“”He voiced Iran’s opposition to the foreign intervention in Iraq, and said, “We believe that the Iraqi government and nation and the country’s religious leadership are able to end the sedition and God willing, they will end it.””
My question – is this a subtle warning or rebuke to Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani’s (ra) for his statement?”
Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (ra)? He might be “Wilayat al-Faqih”. If he is then he is only for Iran and no other country. It is a political position and not a religious position.
No Grand Ayatollah and/or Ayatollah reports to any other Grand Ayatollah and/or Ayatollah.
My personal opinion is that both Obama and Putin are in cahoots to save the Empire. If Empire collapses than everyone in the world suffers and is a loser. Thus, with everyone being on board including Syria and Iraq, they all are getting rid of the “Tafkiris and Baathists of Saddam” once and for all. I am not sure if Turkey is on board.
Thus, a new currency to take pressure off the sinking USD.
Best regards,
Mohamed.
“Nora said…
Mohamed,
I’m not avoiding you; I’m still trying to figure out a response! I will, I promise, but I really need to chew on this a bit!”
Hi Nora,
What Sunnis have done is to combine the Pillars and Practices into 5, to make it easier for the non-Muslim to understand. “Charity” is not a Pillar, it is a Practice. Mindfriedo used loosely “Sacrifice” as Pillar. It is neither a Pillar nor a Practice, it is in the blood of the Shia. He/she is raised and breed for this “Sacrifice”.
Here are Shia Pillars and Practices.
Pillars:
1. Tawhid (Monotheism: belief in the Oneness of God).
2. ‘Adl (Divine Justice: belief in the Almighty’s justice).
3. Nubuwwah (Prophethood).
4. Imamah (Succession to the Muhammad – 12 Imams).
5. Mi’ad (The Day of Judgment and the Resurrection).
Practices:
01. Salat (Worshiping, Praying).
02. Sawm (Absentee such as Fasting).
03. Zakāt (Charity, similar to Sunni Islam, but only applies to cattle, silver, gold, dates, raisins, wheat, and barley, but not money).
04. Khums: (An annual taxation of one-fifth (20%) of all gain. Khums is paid to the Imams or to poor and needy people).
05. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca).
06. Jihad al-Nafs (Struggle against oneself, against the Evil within oneself).
07. Amr-bil-Maroof (Command from others what is Good).
08. Nahi Anil Munkar (Forbid others what is Evil and Bad).
09. Tawalla: (Expressing love towards Good).
10. Tabarra: (Expressing hatred and disassociation towards Evil).
Best regards,
Mohamed.