Abstract

The role of the Shi'i religious establishment in the Iraqi transition since 2003 has been the subject of considerable research. To have clearer insight, the present research places this topic within the context of two critical frameworks: the doctrinal and structural aspect of the jurist's guardianship and the religious-political potentials of the conflict between the Iranian walayat al-faqih and Ayatollah al-Sistani's neo-quietist approach. In addition, it sheds light on al-Sistani's influence over three areas: the constitution-making process, rule of law, and the issue of having clerics running in elections. The analysis presented in this paper examines how this Ayatollah's views could affect the ideology and practice of Iraqi Shi'i political movements regarding the role of religion in the state. It analyses the role of the religious networks in shaping the prospective outcomes of this hidden dispute between the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and the Shi'i supreme marja', Ali al-Sistani.

Department

Public Policy & Administration Department

Graduation Date

6-1-2010

Submission Date

May 2010

First Advisor

Bremer, Jennifer

Extent

NA

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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