Fiery cleric al-Sadr gains political ground among Iraqis

[floda]

Posted on Tue, Jun. 08, 2004


Fiery cleric al-Sadr gains political ground among Iraqis

By Tom Lasseter

Knight Ridder Newspapers



NAJAF, Iraq - After months of losing hundreds, if not thousands, of men in battles with the U.S. military, firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr appears to be more popular than ever in Iraq.


American coalition leaders were optimistic that last week's truce calling for al-Sadr to move his men out of the holy cities of Najaf and Kufa was a sign of a weakened leader.


But many Iraqi religious and political leaders say al-Sadr's public appeal is higher than ever and that he and his followers seem poised to gain ground in Iraq's political arena, threatening America's plans for the country.


If elections were held today, polls and interviews on the street suggest, the virulently anti-American al-Sadr would command a big percentage of the vote.


more...

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/special_packages/iraq/8871812.htm

[saigon68]

1. He or one of his men will Lead a Coup

I think the CIA will kill him. His successor will lead the revolution.

[Jacobin]

3. Yep.

They'll knock off anyone who the Iraqi's want. A new puppet will be installed, like Saddam was.

[bemildred]

2. No no no, al Sadr can't run for office, Bremer said so. nt

[struggle4progress]

4. kick

:kick: