Iraqi Shia demonstrators denounce US ambassador

[sabra]

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2006/January/focusoniraq_January29.xml§ion=focusoniraq

Iraqi Shia demonstrators denounce US ambassador
(AFP)



BAGHDAD - Dozens of Iraqi Shias took to the streets of Baghdad on Friday to denounce US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, accusing him of standing in the way of an all-out fight against insurgents.

“No, no to Zalmay Khalilzad”, shouted the demonstrators as they marched through the district of Sadr City.

They were referring to recent criticism by Khalilzad and US commanders of policing, interrogation and detention methods used by Iraq’s fledgling security services, which are controlled by Shia-led ministries.

The march was officially organised by non-governmental organisations, but came just a day after the powerful Supreme Council of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shia religious party, lashed out at the US-led coalition. SCIRI charged that security services were being pressed to keep their gloves on in the fight against Sunni insurgents.

[Boo Boo]

1. Of course it doesn't help matters that the US has lost all

credibility with regards to the humane treatment of prisoners. But, SCIRI is mostly pissed because they realize that the Bush Admin has changed course and is looking for a political solution to the insurgency.

[ECH1969]

2. The SCIRI believes in mass murdering Sunnis

and using drills to torture and kill Sunnis.

They are al-Qaeda's best friend in Iraq in helping them try to cause a civil war.

[bpilgrim]

5. the same could be said about us

think about it...

peace

[ECH1969]

6. No

We unite Sunnis and Shia with their hatred of us.

[bpilgrim]

11. true but thats because we do the SAME thing to ALL of'm (n/t)

peace

[enigma000]

3. really? dozens?

I'd like to see tens of thousands demanding the US leave.

[sabra]

4. here's another report that indicates thousands:

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=168253214&p=y68z539zx

Thousands protest against US ambassador


Thousands of angry Shiites today rallied in Baghdad’s Sadr City slum against a spree of attacks that killed almost 200 people and to protest what they claim was American backing for Sunni Arabs politicians who have supported insurgent groups.

The demonstrators chanted slogans against US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and moderate Sunni Arab leaders such as Adnan al-Dulaimi, but reserved most of their ire for hard-liners such as Saleh al-Mutlaq, head of the Sunni Arab National Dialogue Front – who have complained of widespread fraud during the December 15 elections.

“We’re going to crush Saleh al-Mutlaq with our slippers,” they chanted as they marched, many armed with automatic weapons. “No, no to Zalmay. No, no to terrorism.”

[Barrett808]

7. One of the first acts of the "new" Iraq will be to demand US withdrawal

And then it will refuse to recognize Israel. That will be interesting.

[enigma000]

8. Look, I can see why the Shia are angry

Just look at the death toll from the past 3 days. If the Sunnis are doing these bombings deliberately as a negotiation tactic with the UIA this could backfire on them. And when the US is asked to leave, no one will be their to protect the Sunnis from the Shia.

[ECH1969]

9. As many Sunnis were killed yesterday as Shia

Especailly in Ramadi

[enigma000]

10. Your right

No one is immune from violence in Iraq. But I do wish the Sunni would deal with the psycho elements of the resistance.