Shiite leader calls for democratic Iraq

The leader of the largest Shiite Muslim group that opposed Saddam Hussein today called for a democratic government to rule Iraq.

The call came only days after he advocated a “modern Islamic regime” in a speech made after he returned from years in Iranian exile.

“Neither an Islamic government nor a secular administration will work in Iraq but a democratic state that respects Islam as the religion of a majority of the population,” Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim said in Najaf.

The comments appeared to contrast with the language he used while addressing supporters in Basra on Saturday, in which he advocated what could be translated as a “modern Islamic regime” or a “modern Islamic system.”

The vision of a democratic government could be intended to allay US fears that al-Hakim, who commands a wide and faithful following among Iraq’s Shiite Muslims after 23 years in exile, was for an Iranian-style clerical regime.

“Our objectives are freedom, independence and justice,” he said. “Iraq needs a civil society and a popularly elected government that represents all ethnic, racial and religious groups.”

Al-Hakim has repeatedly rejected religious extremism even as he has denounced the notion of any foreign-installed government to rule Iraq’s fractious populace.

During his news conference today, he also repeated his promise for a prominent role for women.

“Women make up half of Iraq’s population,” he said. ”They should be given an essential role to play in elections and reconstruction of the country.”

The return of al-Hakim to Iraq, amid great fanfare, is expected to reinforce Shiite demands for a major role in Iraq’s future government after years of repression by Saddam’s minority Sunni-dominated government.

His arrival also complicates the mix of power brokers working with the United States to set up an Iraqi government.

The Bush administration fears the formation of an Iran-style clerical regime, and al-Hakim’s party is, of all the anti-Saddam groups, the closest to Tehran and the least amenable to long-term dealings with Washington.

The Ayatollah said the Badr Brigade, the military wing of his Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution of Iraq, may intend to keep its weapons in the future.

“The Badr will play its role in providing security. If they need arms, they will keep arms. They will be part of either the police or the military,” he said. Such a decision interferes with US efforts to make sure they are the only armed group with authority in post-war Iraq.

Hamid al-Bayati, who represents SCIRI in London, said his party was consulting regularly with coalition forces.