US unfazed by mass Shiite protest in Basra, says demos 'a good thing'

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20040115/pl_afp/us_iraq_shiite&cid=1521&ncid=1473

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said it was not bothered by mass protests in Iraq (news - web sites) against US plans for returning the country to self-rule, maintaining that such demonstrations are "fundamentally a good thing."


The State Department noted that tens of thousands of Shiite Muslims had taken to the streets of the southern city of Basra to demand early elections in Iraq and said it took their feelings seriously.


But spokesman Richard Boucher gave no hint that Washington would accept the demand, insisting that discussions with Iraqis and others continued on how best to choose members of a transitional assembly to be formed when Iraq regains sovereignty at the end of June.


"Obviously we're concerned about working with Iraqis," he told reporters. "We're concerned about public opinion. We want to satisfy the needs and demands of the Iraqi people.

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[Must_B_Free]

1. such demonstrations are "fundamentally a good thing" in Iraq

but not in the US?:crazy:

[jpgray]

2. How about police shooting and killing the demonstrators?

Is that a good thing? How about the news that many of the riots are for FOOD? Is that a good thing? Jesus press whores, ask the right fucking questions already.

[NickB79]

3. That does follow their logic so far

After all, Iraqis shooting each other and US soldiers is fundamentally a good thing because they're exercising their God-given right to bear arms. *sarcasm*

[bfusco]

4. of course they wont except demands

More like on how to install a puppet government and holding down the will of the Iraqi people so that Bush and Co's corporate carpet bagging of Iraq can continue.

[lovedems]

5. They are a good thing in Iraq because the idiot doesn't have to see or

hear them. They must not have a "free speech zone" in Iraq yet. They don't want to get out of Iraq anytime soon, their corporate buddies are making far to much money.

[bahrbearian]

6. Yes and it's made up of Bradley's, M1's, and Apaches.

[Barrett808]

7. Whistling past the graveyard

Sure, protests are a good thing...but not for Bush's re-selection.