Basrah was chosen for a purpose. It was the epicenter of the Persian Gulf War in the 1980’s between Iran and Iraq. A war between the largest predominantly Shiite countries. Nearly wiped out during the eight-year war that had over two million casualties—it had come back to thrive as a large cosmopolitan area. They were starting a new powerful axis of power in the Middle East. If it was going to be successful they had to have an innovative center where all would feel welcomed. That ruled out Tehran and Bagdad. This would be the center of the Shiite universe—the Brussels of the Middle East.
It was a strange collection of individuals gathered in Basrah. Sitting at the head of the table was the former Prime Minister of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and on his right was Nouri al-Maliki the deposed Prime Minister of Iraq. On his left was Muqtada al-Sadr the Iraqi religious leader. At the other end of the table was Mohammad Amir Jafari, the Chief Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. In between was a collection of mullahs, high-ranking military officials, and intelligence officials from the Shiite communities.
The world’s economy went into a tailspin and unemployment spiraled, especially amongst the young. In no place was it worse than the Middle East. Fossil fuels decline in value caused the region to suffer immeasurably. It had never developed its infrastructure and built a post-industrial economy to support the millions of young people entering the work force each year. A few people had survived on government largesse but when the revenues from oil and gas declined so did the meager welfare system. Added to the mix were rampant corruption, nepotism and poor governance. It was a powder keg ripe for an explosion.
It was an unlikely assembly—but they were united in their purpose. After non-stop fighting since the colonial powers left the region, the Arabic-speaking Iraq and Farsi-speaking Iran were putting aside their differences. The Shiites felt they had little choice. As fervent followers of the faith they were positive this was the right thing to do. Once fellow Muslims saw their determination and understood how they were the true believers there would be many new adherents. All they needed was to get underway.
The experienced politicians would be the spokespersons and explain to the local masses and global media what they were doing was the prescribed way. Those plotting the sedition should be considered heroes for their actions. They had key armed forces officers on their side able who commanded significant military personnel.
The religious leaders would proselytize and ensure support in the streets and souqs. They had key militia and police officers onside to control non-believers and prevent protests and demonstrations. They had bought off key Al-Qaeda. There was a web of sleeper cells spread throughout the Gulf. They would know immediately who was on their side and how the infidels would try to thwart their uprising.
The people orchestrating everything did not have to sit at the head of the table. Everyone knew who was in-charge. There was Ali al-Majid Uthman. He was a renowned scholar and a theologian respected by all Shias. Sitting next to him was his look-alike brother, General Ahmed. They had an Iranian father and an Iraqi mother.
The General was held in high esteem. He did something everyone thought was impossible. He was reviled by all Shiites in power at one point in his life. Ahmed was tortured by the Shiite-led Iranians early in his career. Later he was imprisoned by Iraq’s Saddam Hussein. Then he was labelled a traitor by the Shiites when they took control of Iraq after Hussein’s fall. Now as astute military leader there was only the utmost respect for the General. He had scars over his entire body and was sitting in a wheelchair—the result of an unsuccessful assignation plot. He was the secular military commander who would lead them into battle.
Ali, devoutly religious, had distinguished himself with his teachings on Shia theology. Although he was Twelver, the largest Shiite sect, he preached inclusion of other sects. He gave speeches from Lebanon to Pakistan on the righteousness of the Shiites and their predestined role to rule the world. Ali’s understanding of the Quran and teachings of Muhammad allowed him to become an authority whose teachings could not be questioned. He was called The Ruhani.
The Ruhani looked at his brown-eyed brother before he spoke in a hushed tone. “Before we pray for the success of The Awakening, update me on the finances and the codes?” They knew everything had to be in order for their audacious plan to work.
The financial guru, Sheikh Khalifa, stood up to say, with conviction, that everything was in order. They were only one step away. He assured everyone, with an innate smugness, that within the fortnight, they would exceed their goal of having over two billion dollars cash on hand.
Unable to stand because of a broken leg, Colonel Masoud proclaimed that within the same two weeks they would have the codes. The General reiterated the codes were critical to control the command centers. The Colonel nodded, acknowledging their importance.
The Ruhani said, “Good. Let us pray to Allah.”
