One of his opponents, Thomas Kipling, sent extracts to influential clerics.

Diệm also made links with Cardinal Francis Spellman, the most politically influential cleric of his time.

On Wednesday, the imam and a small group of other influential clerics joined an Islamist political party.

His portrait competes with those of other influential clerics that hang like campaign posters throughout Najaf.

Najaf is expected to become the center of Shiite faith once again when influential clerics return and begin teaching at its seminaries.

The most prestigious theology schools were in Najaf, where influential clerics studied.

But Croatian emigre groups and influential clerics petitioned for his release and he was let out of jail pending an extradition hearing.

The leaders of the religious alliance have pledged that Iraq will not be ruled by clerics, but they face pressure on religious issues from influential clerics.

It is endorsed and led by Ali al-Sallabi, an influential Salafist cleric.

The official said the Hezbollah training had been conducted with the knowledge of Mr. Sadr, the most influential Shiite cleric.