Shiites Demand U.S. Troops Leave Baghdad

[DUreader]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-3026828,00.html



BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A Shiite Muslim group
demanded Thursday that U.S. troops withdraw
from a Baghdad neighborhood within 24 hours, a
day after American forces fired on thousands of
protesters in the Shiite enclave and killed at least
one person.

A statement distributed in Sadr City said American
forces ``deeply regret'' what happened,
describing the incident as a mistake.

The protest erupted Wednesday in Sadr City after
thousands of Shiites gathered around a
telecommunications tower where they said
American forces in a helicopter tried to tear down
an Islamic banner.

U.S. military spokesman Sgt. Danny Martin said
Wednesday the banner was apparently blown
down by rotor wash from a Black Hawk helicopter.
He said American troops killed one person and
wounded four after a rocket-propelled grenade
was fired at them. No U.S. soldiers were reported
hurt.

[JNelson6563]

1. the term "spiraling out of control"

comes to mind. It seems all things are starting to spiral at the same time.

Julie

[Bob3]

2. As the "the Shiite has hit the fan"

Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

[realFedUp]

5. Yeah, we're in Shiite shape now...

couldn't help myself either. :-)

[xchrom]

3. expect more of this

there's no way we aren't going to stp in it. they don't like us to begin with, and we aren't good at this.

[Tempest]

4. Didn't Bush tell us that the Shiites would be the ones to welcome the US?

Oops!

[molok555]

6. Actually, the Shia have been OK

so far. Seriously. The US stays as long as the Shia allow them. They appear to be ready to push 'em out. Also remember, Sadr City is a pretty radical Shiite town. But radicals are also often the leading edge, sort of the point of a sword-the rest'll follow eventually.