Meanwhile: Iraq Cleric's Death Seen As Costing U.S.
Iraq Cleric's Death Seen As Costing U.S.
By HAMZA HENDAWI
Associated Press Writer
NAJAF, Iraq (AP) -- Followers of a faith steeped in martyrdom, mourning and physical pain, Iraq's Shiite Muslims are still reeling from the assassination of Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim, one of their most revered religious leaders.
Only when their tears finally dry will they see just what they have lost. Al-Hakim had the rare mix of religious authority and political acumen needed to put the long-oppressed Shiites in control of Iraq.
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