hi dianavan

I think Western governments are concerned that if a religious leader takes over, the country will be more isolated from the West, and there will be less chance for a democratic regime to emerge. There is an interesting article on Sistani at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A64131-2004Aug13?language=printer

(It Takes a Following to Make an Ayatollah; By Juan Cole; Sunday, August 15, 2004; Page B04)

Juan Cole is professor of Modern Middle Eastern and South Asian History at the University of Michigan. He maintains a Web log on Iraq, "Informed Comment" (www.juancole.com).