Shiite leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani says only government forces should be allowed to carry weapons.

NPR: Top Muslim Cleric Urges Militias to Disarm

But their irritation is nothing compared to that of the country's leading Shia authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

ECONOMIST: Iraq

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the leading Shia cleric, has called for direct elections in Iraq by the end of June, sparking numerous demonstrations.

CNN: U.N. help sought on Iraq vote