Six weeks later, the administration seems shocked by the effect that event had on the country's Shiite community, which makes up 60 percent of the population.

These leaders held conversations today with leaders of the Shiite community.

"It is the whole Shiite community and the holy shrine."

Hilla, a mostly Shiite community about 50 miles south of Baghdad, is a violent place.

This enabled him to set up a network that covered the Shiite community throughout Iraq, and laid the foundation for his army.

But has he picked up the Shiite community?

But he said that the Shiite community here did not need American humanitarian or political assistance.

In fact, a crucial struggle is under way for the leadership of the Shiite community, its loyalties and resources.

They are pleased with the effectiveness of their huge investment in building schools and hospitals in Shiite communities.

Pressure on the Shiite community was to continue, despite well-publicized conciliatory gestures.