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Sistani denies supporting Soleiman's involvement in Iraq

The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has denied allegations that he supports the Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani's presence and Iranian involvement in Iraq in the fight against the Islamic State.
Shi'ite volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against militants of the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), carry a picture of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf, August 16, 2014. School is out, but northern Baghdad's classrooms are packed - not with students, but with people who have travelled further than most to escape the Sunni militant onslaught splitting Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al
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Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani's recent media presence has raised sensitive and negative reactions in Iraq and in other countries in the region. He has had numerous photos published of himself with leaders of Iraqi Shiite militias following each success by Iraqi forces against Islamic State (IS) fighters. The viewer is to presume that the photos were taken in the battlefield, that the victory came due to Soleimani’s presence and that without him, the Iraqi army would not have been able to repel IS.

Soleimani's activities are part of a media campaign highlighting Iran’s regional strength, portraying it as a victor and the people's savior against the violence and extremism of IS. Iran has also not hesitated to play up its regional role in the nuclear talks with the West and in building ties with the United States. All this is part of Tehran's insistence that its power in the region be recognized by countries in the area and the international community.

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