NEWSWEEK INTERVIEW: Moqtada Al-Sadr Shia Cleric

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http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060430/nysu012.html?.v=53

Recommends Sunnis Clarify Political Standpoints; Says No Distinction Between Sunni or Shia Resistance: 'There Is an Iraqi Islamic Resistance'
Says Most Important Issue for Iraq Is 'The Timetable for The U.S. Withdrawal' Claims No Stability and 'No Justice Under Occupation, at Any Time and Any Place'


NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Shia cleric, violent militia leader and political kingmaker, Moqtada al-Sadr tells Newsweek that he believes that there is no Sunni or Shia resistance, "there is an Iraqi Islamic resistance," he says. "But I address the Sunnis through Newsweek: One, they should specify their stance toward attacks on civilians," he says. "Two, their stance toward Takfiris is not clear. Three, they should specify their stance toward the Shia. Are we Muslims or not? Four, they should demand the execution of Saddam Hussein. And five, they should specify their stance toward families who have been displaced," al-Sadr says in an interview in the May 8 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, May 1).

Baghdad Bureau Chief Scott Johnson asks al-Sadr if his recognition as part of the Iraqi political establishment has made him more moderate. "Everyone builds Iraq the way he sees fit. The most important issue is the timetable for the U.S. withdrawal. We know there will be no justice under occupation, at any time and any place. In fact, there will be no stability for anyone, since Iraq defines the destiny of the world," he says.

Al-Sadr says that although his partners in the ruling coalition are very much against insisting that Americans leave immediately from Iraq because they believe it will be a disaster, he feels that Iraq should be built by Iraqis. "We want to build our country by our own hands. I demand a timetable. Even if it is for a long time, it doesn't mean it isn't possible to have a timetable for it."



(Read interview at www.Newsweek.com. Click "Pressroom" for news releases.)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12550915/site/newsweek/

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1. No wonder they labeled him a "violent firebrand cleric"

Demanding that Iraqis determine their own future...demanding an end to American occupation...demanding a timetable. What a nutcase. :eyes:

[NNN0LHI]

2. He does appear to be moderating

He has changed his demand for an immediate of the occupation to:

>>> "We want to build our country by our own hands. I demand a timetable. Even if it is for a long time, it doesn't mean it isn't possible to have a timetable for it."<<<

Sounds like he is saying it is OK with him if we stay for a while. That may be enough to get his head cut off right there? We shall see.

Don