Top Iraqi Cleric Rules Out Conflict With Kurds

The potential for conflict between Arab & Kurd in northern Iraq has been off-the-charts in the last few weeks. Kurdish Peshmerga fighters faced-off across very little territory from the federal Iraqi army, and both generals issued bellicose statements. Sabres were rattled, and tension have risen as a consequence.

Just recently, a senior Iraqi Shiite cleric was interviewed on the issue - and he took the opportunity to not only dismiss the possibility of conflict, but to also predict the end of prime minister Al-Maliki. Pretty good stuff here.  I know I'm a lot less worried about that particular scenario after reading the interview.

Update: today, a more formal effort to reduce tensions was agreed by both parties. After the interview noted above, it comes as no surprise.