Skip to main content

Iraqi Sunni Leader Accused Of Inciting Violence Against Shiites

Revered by Anbar youth as a protector of their rights, Iraqi Sunni leader Ahmad al-Alwani has recently taken heat for allegedly inciting Sunnis to kill Shiites.
Iraqi Sunni Muslims burn a poster of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during an anti-government demonstration in Falluja, 50 km (31 miles) west of Baghdad April 26, 2013. Tens of thousands of Sunni Muslims poured onto the streets of Ramadi and Falluja in the western province of Anbar following Friday prayers, in protest at the perceived marginalisation of their sect since the U.S.-led invasion overthrew Saddam Hussein and empowered majority Shi'ites through the ballot box. Iraq's delicate ethno-sectari
Read in 

In a phone interview and before the issuance of an arrest warrant against him, Ahmad al-Alwani, a controversial Sunni politician, spoke to Al-Monitor about the future of Sunnis in Iraq. He said, “They are threatened with sectarian cleansing because of Iran and those pledging loyalty to Tehran in Iraq.”

He added, “In the protest square in Ramadi, everyone is waiting for the moment when Iraq is liberated from the Iranian occupation.” Alwani uses such terms when addressing the angry Sunni public, and seems to galvanize them and draws their favor.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.