Ahmed H. al-Rahim A Perspective on Islam in Iraq
b'The religious landscape of Iraq is complex and somewhat enigmatic to the western world. Nearly 97% of Iraq\\u2019s 25 million people are Muslim, and a majority of Iraqis are Shiite rather than Sunni. What does that mean? And how powerful is the prominent cleric Ayatollah Ali al Sistani who has effectively challenged the American-led coalition. Could he become another Islamic revolutionary like Iran\\u2019s Ayatollah Khomeini?\\nAs part of Iraq\\u2019s rebuilding process, the Iraqi governing council agreed on an interim constitution that cites Islam as a source \\u2014 but not the primary source \\u2014 of future legislation. Approval of the interim constitution was delayed first by violence, and then by a group of Shiite council members who raised objections to elements within it. Host Krista Tippett speaks at length with Iraqi-American professor and advisor, Ahmed al-Rahim, for insight into the unfolding new relationship between mosque and state in Iraq.'