Iraq: Sistani, Maliki and arms deal with Russianote

The relation between Iraqi leading Shiite cleric Ali Sistani and PM Nouri Al-Maliki are said to have strained following the case of corruption that appeared in the recently-concluded arms deal with Russia. The following 401-word report sheds light on the subject and tells what about the position of the Shiite Marjaiya and that of Sistani in particular. It also tells what about the reaction of Al-Maliki.