Iranian Supreme Leader Predicts "decades Of Hatred" Of U.S. Over Najaf

TEHRAN, Aug 25 (AFP) - Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told the United States Wednesday it was facing "decades of hatred" from the Islamic world due to fighting in the Iraqi holy Shiite city of Najaf.
"The use of force by the United States in Iraq and especially in the holy city of Najaf is utterly wrong and doomed," state television quoted the all-powerful leader as saying during a meeting with the Iranian cabinet.
"This will deepen the hatred between the US and the Islamic world for decades," he warned, but voiced hope that "Allah almighty will once again show his support of righteousness."
The city of Najaf, home to the ornate mausoleum of the father of Shiite Islam Imam Ali, has seen three weeks of intense fighting between US-led forces and rebel fighters loyal to cleric Moqtada Sadr.
Next Monday will mark the birth anniversary of Ali, the Prophet Mohammed's son-in-law and considered by Shiites as his true successor.