Message [The Iraqi governments' approach toward the clergy and the violation of Iran's border]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Najaf al-Ashraf

The honorable Ayatullah Aqa Haj Sayyid Muhammad Baqir as-Sadr- may his blessings last:

The recent events that have occurred one after another are regrettable. It was not expected that you, a learned and Islamic figure, be so treated, just as it was, and is not, expected that the functionaries of the Iraqi government in the border areas behave in a way that is against the norms of good neighborliness. The Iranian nation hopes to curtail the power of the foreigners, in all the Muslim countries, with (the help of) its Islamic movement, and just as the nations approve of and support this great Islamic movement, it expects the governments to support it as well. The Najaf al-Ashraf Theological Center, which serves Islam and the Muslims, has been the protector of Iraq's independence- in fact, of all the Muslim countries- throughout its history. It does not expect to be shown any disrespect and one of its most eminent and great personalities assaulted.

I am advising the Iraqi government to safeguard this solid stronghold which is the guardian of the country's existence and interests. This was the advice that I gave the deposed Shah and the government of Iran in the past period. I pray to God, the Almighty, for the glory of Islam and the independence of Muslim countries.

May God's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini