Revisiting the History of the Shi'a Marja'yah under the Baath Regime in Iraq

[Bolani Muslim]

Professor Abbas K. Kadhim was given access to ten million archives of the Saddam era. This talk is about the relationship between the hawza and the government during the Saddam era from the information gathered in the documents. Although not a strictly theological dialogue, it is beneficial in order to understand modern Twelver Shi'ism.

Something of note is that in his private discussions with Ayatullah Sistani, only one more Arab Shia person would be present. Yet, every time the ayatollah would speak, it would be in the context of Iraqis, not Shias. What is worrisome is that most of the clerics Kadhim has met in Iraq are sectarian in their speech. With the marja office becoming an ever-political seat, we ought to regard who the successor to Ayatullah Sistani shall be.

[Rationalist]

Its a long clip you posted. I will have to make time to watch it.  I would say Sayyed Ayad Jamal Aldin has good view points.