Publication

This working paper explores the potential role of Shi'ite Islam and Shi'ite seminaries in Iraq, looking beyond US-led occupation. Stressing the peaceful legacy of Twelver Shi'ite Islam, the paper explores its potentially stabilizing role within a secular Iraqi republic and also vis-à-vis Iranian centers if Shi'ite Islam. However, the paper underlines the importance of pacification and Iraqi consolidation as crucial prerequisites. The paper pays special attention to Najaf and the first Shi'ite seminaries, outlines distinctive features of Shi'ite seminaries, addresses the reassertion of traditional Shi'ite leadership and summarizes internal and external factors.