Al-Sadr demands foreign withdrawal (Iraq)

[Aidoneus]

Al-Sadr demands foreign withdrawal
Tuesday 14 October 2003

Popular Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has reiterated calls for a future Iraqi government to be chosen by Iraqis and a schedule for an occupation pullout.

Al-Sadr, who announced a "parallel" government in a Friday sermon last week, said the people of Iraq would choose their leadership.

In a press conference Tuesday, the anti-occupation cleric urged peaceful demonstrations to be held against the current US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council.

Al-Sadr, who leads a thousands- strong militia known as the Mahdi Army, said there was no cooperation between his forces and occupation troops.

"I advise these occupation forces to schedule a prompt exit from Iraq," al-Sadr told a press conference in the Shia holy city Najaf, 180 kms south of Baghdad.

Al-Sadr urged Iraqis to cooperate and avoid inter-communal fighting.

--snip--

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/752507A2-EB22-45A4-B222-7D6A24D94D13.htm

[Jack Rabbit]

1. Weren't the Shi'ites supposed to welcome the Yanks with open arms?

The Iraqi people know the difference between colonialism and liberation. I guess they don't watch CNN or Fox.

[tlcandie]

2. thanks Al .. hope this admin listens and does just that!!!!

:hi:

EDIT: Unfortunately, *it doesn't seem to think he has anything to loose by staying and everything to gain! $$$$$$ he craves .. bodies he could care less about :(

[LevChernyi]

3. here we go..

I have decided and I have formed a government made up of several ministries, including ministries of justice, finance, information, interior, foreign affairs, endowments and the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice," the young cleric had said.

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/62D93B71-232E-414F-B111-D8BF9511A34E.htm

You now have about 5 million Shias headed for Karbala and al-Sadr has created a new government. Who do you think the people will obey, him or Paul Bremer and Condi.