The problem of the relationship between the government and Shiite Ulama in Iraq under Saddam Hussein (1970–1980s)

Abstract

The article attempts to analyze the specifics of the position of the Shiite clergy in Iraq, associated with the traditional Islamic worldview of Shiites, who traditionally occupied a subordinate position in the Sunni political hierarchy. The article focuses on the period of the formation and strengthening of Saddam Hussein’s sole power, when he took the initiative to appease Shiites and Ulama, combining the policy of “carrot and stick”, considering Shiites as a potential threat to his secular power.

Keywords

• saddam hussein
• islam
• shiites
• ulama
• secularism
• islamism
• al-dawaa