Ayatollahs, Sufis and Ideologues: State, Religion and Social Movements in Iraq

This book is the first comprehensive study of Islam and Islamism in Iraq. It begins by presenting the multitude of forms and structures of religion present there: from organised religion to the myriad patterns of popular religion, as well as the various Islamist social movements and organisations in existence, all serving complex social, political and economic functions. It also attempts to avoid the oversimplified current views on the nature of Islam and its roles within Iraq, especially with regard to the interplay between ethnicity and religion: the trilogy of Kurds, Shi'is and Sunnis, who presumably lead a strained, antagonistic relationship. While focusing on the unique nature of religion and state religion tensions in Iraq, the book includes detailed comparisons with other Middle Eastern countries, mainly Iran.