1.   At his press conference, Khatami, himself a middle-level Islamic cleric, was dressed in the traditional robe and turban and was typically erudite and witty.

2.   But Pakistani officials appear to hope that Omar could be equally influenced by the Islamic clerics from Pakistan.

3.   But some figures in the religious community contend that the biggest contradiction is posed by the political role of Islamic clerics.

4.   Even in the religious city of Qom, the mullahs, robed Islamic clerics who fill the universities and research institutes, are excited these days.

5.   Even in countries with near-total Muslim populations, like Mali or Niger, Islamic clerics have begun agitating and challenging their governments.

6.   For example, Copts in recent years have heard their faith denounced by fiery Islamic clerics on government-run television.

7.   Friday, three leading Islamic clerics were prohibited from reaching Karachi, a hotbed of Afghan support.

8.   He also pointed out that some Islamic clerics, including the spiritual force behind Hezbollah, have endorsed the use of women and girls as suicide bombers.

9.   He later greeted a group of Islamic clerics, kissing and hugging them before television cameras.

10.   In London, he attended events at the Fourth Feathers Centre, where a controversial Islamic cleric, Abu Qatada, often spoke to young radicals.