Human Rights in Iraq (3) New Government calls for end to Raids on Mosques

Mixed reactionsin Iraq to the report that defense minister, Sadoun al-Dulaimi, a Sunni Arab, has ordered the Iraqi army to stop raiding mosques, arresting clerics and “terrifying worshipers.” Some point out raids have led to the capture of large hauls of weapons and ammunition, including bomb-making equipment and antitank rockets. “The holy places must not be violated by the security forces, nor religious leaders arrested, and that will not happen anymore” said al-Dulaimi. In a related move Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, told reporters that Ayatollah Sistani “insisted on the need for brotherhood between Shiites and Sunnis, and the need to include our Sunni brothers in the constitution-drafting process.” (AJ)