Shiites blame Americans for Baghdad, Karbala attacks , more than 140 dead

[DuctapeFatwa]

There were varying reports on the cause of the blasts. Witnesses said it was a suicide bomber but an Iraqi police spokesman in Karbala reported that mortars were fired at the shrines.

A spokesman for Iraq's leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani, blamed American soldiers for the attacks, saying they were responsible for the security. Sheikh Hamed Khafaf said U.S. officials had ignored repeated requests to bolster security for the pilgrims.

"Those behind this painful incident have no links with Islam ... . The criminal who target innocents and Muslims in this holy place and on this pure land is not a Muslim," said Ali Abdul-Karim al-Safi al-Musawi, an al-Sistani representative in Basra, in southern Iraq.

In Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid- Reza Asefi condemned the explosions, calling the incidents as "brutal." Asefi questioned, "How can one take a terrorist move and kill the innocent and defenseless people, who mourned with love in their sanctities in a spiritual and holy place?" Definitely, he said, those committing such crimes are not the least humane. According to IRNA, he stressed that the Iraqi Governing Council should be more wise and prudent and be watchful of the events.
Informed sources said there are a number of Iranians among the victims.

http://www.albawaba.com/news/index.php3?sid=271622&lang=e&dir=news

headline shortened from

Shiites blame Americans for Baghdad, Karbala attacks as more than 140 people killed

[maxsolomon]

1. pretty sure we're not handling security in karbala

sure, in the abstract sense, but aren't our troops staying clear of this festival & letting them have their self-flagellating fun?

[sushi]

11. They've always had

their self-flagellating fun without so many dead... until now. That's what happens when somebody very inexperienced and arrogant gets so much power!

[Columbia]

18. Actually no

It was prohibited under Saddam. They got to do it last year for the first time in decades but protected by US troops.

[SOS]

13. Doesn't matter what they are doing

the occupying power is resonsible for security in the whole country. Of course international law isn't of much interest to Bush.

[Jackpine Radical]

2. I guess they don't understand

that the Twin Towers were a sacred and holy place, dedicated to Mammon.

[Malva Zebrina]

3. horrific things like this did not happen much before Bush invaded.

[Aidoneus]

4. not exactly as this.

but in general it's not something new..

[ManneredChild]

5. I agree

I never believed all those reports of mass graves and how the Saddam sons murdered and tortured people either. Someone has been blowing smoke up our butts.

[Sagan]

7. I think that's fairly well established

However, I would be interested to see figures on numbers. I would have no trouble believing that the US invasion of Iraq has directly and indirectly racked up a civilian kill count that would have taken Saddam's regime decades to match.

And we did it all in less than a year. That's American efficiency for you.

[leftchick]

8. I think of that contrast daily...

I am very certain bushco* has the blood of many more on their hands than Saddam was ever responsible for during his reign.

[The_Casual_Observer]

9. Right, no matter how bad it gets there

It was worse under Saddam AND "our president" should be thanked every day for his bold and decisive action!

I sure hope it is worth the cost to you, because it sure isn't to me.
I wonder how many freepers will still be promoting the ouster of Saddam come the end of summer when things are worse still.

[ManneredChild]

14. Was your reply meant for my post?

I sure hope not because your reply has nothing to do with my post.

[Sagan]

6. Of course, the Chimpministration cried "Al Queda" immediately..

And while I don't know enough to say that that is true or false, there are other groups with reasons to incite the Shi'ites against the Sunnis. Like the Kurds. Or the Turkomen.

In any case, things are happening just as many here said they would. I take no joy in being right, but I will take satisfaction when the Chimp is booted out of office because of his colossal stupidity and arrogance.

[dudeness]

10. many here have predicted this as an outcome

of an ill advised and illegal invasion..bush , blair and co have underestimated the passion of iraqis to determine their own futures..the common theme is "thank you for ridding us of your lapdog saddam, but get out of our country, we no longer welcome your colonial occupation"..no doubt in my mind the US has bought in a new vietnam as it moves bases from SA to iraq..many young americans will die in a far off country they would know little of..

[Mari333]

12. That means OUR troops will be attacked

just as we thought. a civil war.
so BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW
NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW

[ManneredChild]

15. Exactly Pull them out NOW!

Let the angry suicide rebels fight it out. The most radical will be the ones doing the fighting until they figure out which branch of their religion is best for Iraq.

[PsychoDad]

16. Shiites blame Americans for Baghdad, Karbala attacks

Strange, so do I.

[DuctapeFatwa]

17. bush promised to be a uniter.

:evilgrin: