1.   The pressure on Shiite clergy to adopt a political profile is a relative novelty this century.

2.   In Iran, where the Shiite clergy hold power, officials warned the killing could hurt relations that were improving slightly in recent months.

3.   Shiite clergy from around the Muslim world, but particularly from Iran, go to Najaf to study at its theological institutes, which were founded centuries ago.

4.   Shiite clergy from Iran and around the Muslim world come to Najaf to study at its theological institutes founded centuries ago.

5.   In order to stand for parliament, hopefuls had to satisfy ideological and moral requirments set by the Shiite clergy.

6.   Although the moderates enjoy the support of pro-government newspapers, the have failed to secure the endorsement of Shiite clergy in their initiative to challenge their conservative rivals.

7.   The Shiite clergy has tried to persuade the faithful in recent years to give their blood to hospitals rather than shed it during religious ceremonies.

8.   The Shiite clergy and media have appealed for a strong turnout for the anti-Israeli protests.

9.   Within nine months, Bazargan had resigned, saying he had insufficient authority in the face of the dominant Shiite clergy.