Five facts on Najaf's Imam Ali Mosque

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L19607376.htm

BAGHDAD, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Here are five key facts about the mosque in Najaf, 160 km (100 miles) south of Baghdad.

* Imam Ali bin Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad and his tomb in Najaf is marked by the golden-domed Imam Ali Mosque. The Shi'ite sect was founded decades after Imam Ali died in the 7th century. Although he is also revered by the mainstream Sunni sect, Shi'ites see him as the first of 12 Imams whose teachings must be followed.

* The sprawling mosque and its marble-floored courtyard adjoin an ancient cemetery called the Wadi al-Salam (Valley of Peace), one of the biggest in the Middle East. It is dotted with underground crypts and contains the tombs of other prominent figures. The cemetery has been a battleground for U.S. troops and the militia loyal to radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. snip

* After the first Gulf War in 1991, Saddam Hussein sent his security forces to crush a Shi'ite rebellion in Najaf and other cities after then U.S. President George Bush urged Iraqis to rise up. The mosque was damaged but later restored.

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[Ripley]

1. "Valley of Peace"

How tragic that we are involved in desicrating an ancient cemetery with that name.

[kikiek]

2. This whole war is so sad. Human lives and world history being destroyed.

[Gyre]

3. Bush doesn't care about history

because the most he's ever read in one sitting is Parade magazine.

Gyre

[wovenpaint]

4. He doesn't care about his place in history either

because, he won't be around- so why should it matter? I believe there's a quote of his to that effect that I've read somewhere.
Each time I think it can't get much worse... :grr:

[MamaBear]

5. From "Informed Comment"

Professor Juan Cole briefly discusses the importance of the mosque and shrine beginning in the fifth paragraph of his post from August 18. I have found his blog to be invaluable.

http://www.juancole.com/2004_08_01_juancole_archive.html#109281411743058076