Anyone who is willing to leave the second-best team in the world and relocate 12, 000 miles away to coach a team currently in transition must have an inner belief in their ability.

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Others fear that Iran is using its influence in the reclusive Mr Sistani's inner circle to show the Americans that it can disrupt Iraq's transition if it is not to the Shias' liking.

ECONOMIST: Do the Shias truly accept the new constitution?