Al Sadr calls for mass protest on April 9

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2007/March/focusoniraq_March202.xml§ion=focusoniraq&col=

BAGHDAD - Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada Al Sadr made a scathing attack on the United States in a statement issued on Friday, blaming it for Iraq’s woes and calling for a mass demonstration April 9 to mark the fourth anniversary of Baghdad’s fall.

The statement was the first by al-Sadr since March 14 when he called on his supporters to resist US forces in Iraq through peaceful means. Al-Sadr has been said by US and Iraqi officials to be in neighboring Iran. His aides insist he is still in Iraq.

The latest statement was read to worshippers during Friday prayers at a mosque in Kufa, a holy Shiite city south of Baghdad where al-Sadr frequently led the ritual.

“I renew my call for the occupier (the United States) to leave our land,” he said in the statement, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press. “The departure of the occupier will mean stability for Iraq, victory for Islam and peace and defeat for terrorism and infidels.”

[Kagemusha]

1. Oh boy.

This is NOT GOOD, people. This is the sort of thing that could make that place explode if ugly things happen to the marchers. This isn't exactly Martin Luther King here but, a few massacres and no one'll care. A mass protest will greatly raise the temperature.. especially if great efforts are made to prevent it.

[SoCalDem]

2. Sheesh.. and on MY birthday

:(