Grand Ayatollahs' Record: There is much talk in the Arabic press about the silence and passivity of the Grand Ayatollahs in Iraq regarding the events in Najaf. Ayatollah Sistani (who had never left his house in 6 years although he is now in London) had declared that Imam Ali Mosque is a "red line." Yet, his recent statements have been rather vague and timid, although we are told that he is "pained" by what happened. There is in the Arabic press denunciation of Shi`ite clerics (and 4 of the 4 Grand Ayatollahs in Iraq have miraculously left Najaf in time to miss the recent showdown), and some Arabic websites have circulated rumors to the effect that Sistani is dead, but that his death has not been announced. Permeating some of the Arab press analysis and reactions is undoubtedly a measure of the classical anti-Shi`ite hostility that resides in some Sunni quarters. (I know about such matters being born to a Sunni mother and a Shi`ite father). But Sistani's position is not surprising. These clerics (Sistani in particular) have not been known for their political courage under Saddam. The late Grand Ayatollah Al-Khu'i was also not known for his courage under Saddam. Many of those clerics have pursued of a policy of live-and-let-tyrants-oppress over the years. Of course, there also have been other courageous clerics, like Muhammad Baqir As-Sadr (not to be confused with Muhammad Sadiq As-Sadr--Muqtada's father) who (along with his sister) was executed by Saddam. You also have to remember that in history, the masses often moved the clerics in their direction, and not vice-versa. And Sistani may not recover after his recent London visit, and Muqtada's leadership (politically speaking regarless of his low clerical standing) may soon outrank the status of higher ranking clerics.