2.12. The Paradox of Shiite Rule. Every day is Ashura.

Don’t you just hate politics? As Manu Chao sang, and as anyone watching House of Cards will confirm: Politic kills. politic needs cries, politic needs ignorance, politic needs lies… Many religions have thrived by cozying up to the establishment of their day. There are few that consistently hold politics in contempt the way Shiism does. This may well be a big part of its appeal. But what would happen, if such a creed became state religion itself? Wouldn’t that be a fun experiment…