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Ooops, I should have been more clear and specific. My post was in context of the Iran-Iraq War in which it was feared that the Shias in Iraq would ally with Iran but turns out no. In fact, Iraqi Shias fought against the Iranians. That is what I meant and referred to.
In that scope, Khomenei is still a "Persian" shia and not an Arab one. His exile in Iraq was convenient for Saddam looking to keep Iran on edge.
I did not know of the current govt. in Iraq to be comprised of Shias from Iran. This is new info for me (ah, the perils of studying history vs. current events). However, how this translates to how much or little influence Iran can impart over Iraq remains to be seen. Based on my cursory reading, IMO, probably not a whole lot.
Or how about this? Perhaps Irans' interest in "cooperating" with Iraq is premised on:
1. Establishing regional hegemony - a good time to make a move in a power vacuum.
2. Also, to keep the US at bay. Keep 'em busy with Iraq and presumably out of Iran.
3. Maybe establish a buffer state between Iran and US-friendly Saudi Arabia
In your opinion, do you think the Shias (in Iraq) want a theocracy? Iraq has always kind of leaned secular (I realize that was under sunni control) but are Shias and (Kurds even), leaning towards theocratic state?
I'm not so sure, I don't know enough about it at this moment. I'm not sure the 60% shias are so monolithic.
Although I am against the war, I believe there are Iraqis who would ally with the US. Don't know about numbers though. I just don't believe things are so black and white you know?
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