The following is my translation of an article in Iraq’s Buratha News of 10-6-07.
A school in Shiite Nejaf is named after
Sunni Tribal leader Abdulstar Abu-Risha
Mr. Majed Alsudani director of department of education in Nejaf (Shiite center of Iraq) province announced that a school has been named to honor recently killed Sunni tribal leader Abdulstar Abu-Risha (Sunni tribal leader, founder of the Anbar awakening movement and recently killed by Alqiada in Iraq after meeting with president Bush) in the Selam district in Nejaf city. He added this action is to recognize Abdulstar Abu-Risha’s stance against terrorist takfiries in Anbar province. These takfiries tried to defile the province’s name by promoting sectarian killings and terrorist activity. Abdulstar Abu-Risha led a successful courageous stance of local tribes and families against these Alqaida takfiri terrorists.
Alsudani added; ‘This is not the first time the department honors and recognizes a Sunni leader who sacrificed for the good of Iraq. In 2005 we recognized and honored the martyr Uthman Alubaid who as one of our Sunni brethren scarifies himself to save many Shiites in Adhamiah during a terrorist ignited stampede on Aimah Bridge in which more than a thousand were killed. We are strong followers of teachings of the grand Ayatollah Ali Alsistani which calls for denouncing sectarianism and intolerance and calls for embracing unity, and nondiscrimination for all Iraqis of all sects and religions.
My comments,
The Muslim Shiite center of Iraq is naming their schools in honor of Sunni leaders who sacrificed for the good of Iraq and its citizens. A shining example of how I remember Iraq I remember growing up. Prior to Saddam taking a strong role in dividing Iraqis along sectarian lines and oppressing those not of his ilk, the sectarian divide was minimally noticeable and made no difference to most Iraqis. This is returning now that all Iraqis are protected by law and represented by their government. They also share a common enemy in the Takfiries of Alqaida. Both Sunni & Shiite mosques are condemning these Takfiries and their intolerance and calling for the rejection of the Takfiri movement. Much of this is aimed at the Saudi Wahabi School.
Regards
Haider Ajina
McKinleyville CA
