About Those Sistani Fatwas

A correction is in order from my post earlier today. Yesterday, the AP ran an article about Grand Ayatollah Sistani issuing religious edicts in Najaf about resisting the U.S. presence. While I respect the opinions and analysis of Juan Cole, Eric Martin, and Allahpundit, I'm more inclined to listen to people from the Middle East on religious matters of this sort. Iraqpundit and Talisman Gate offer up different analysis suggesting that Iraq's Shi'ite community will not be rising up against us American brutes in the near future. When one doesn't fully understand a culture, it's best to listen to people who hail from that culture. It's just common sense.