Iraqi Security Tighter Ahead of Asia Cup

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Iraqi Security Tighter Ahead of Asia Cup

By KIM GAMEL Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD Jul 29, 2007 (AP)

Authorities planned stepped-up patrols in Baghdad Sunday
as they intensified security to prevent a repeat of car
bombings that killed dozens of revelers celebrating Iraq's
progress to the finals of Asia's top soccer tournament
last week.

Undeterred by the violence, optimistic Iraqi soccer fans
prepared to celebrate if their national team beats Saudi
Arabia and takes the Asian Cup for the first time. But
many said they would be more cautious this time.

-snip-

Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul Karim Khalaf
said security forces would be on high alert Sunday and
patrols would be stepped up. The U.S. military also said
it would position troops as necessary to maintain security
nationwide.

"We also will urge people not to celebrate in groups and
not go near security forces," Khalaf said. "The terrorists
intend to kill as many people as they can in such events.
We will also implement tough measures against those who
shoot into the air."

-snip-

Read more: http://www.abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=3424722

[demoleft]

1. The surreal atmosphere of a celebration... n/t

[Eugene]

2. Volleys of gunfire as Iraqis celebrate soccer joy

Source: Reuters

Volleys of gunfire as Iraqis celebrate soccer joy
29 Jul 2007 15:17:52 GMT
Source: Reuters

(Recasts after match)

By Paul Tait

BAGHDAD, July 29 (Reuters) - Volleys of gunfire rang out
across Baghdad on Sunday as Iraqis celebrated their soccer
team's Asian Cup victory, a rare moment of joy and unity in
four years of relentless strife.

"We achieved the dream. Allahu Akbar! (God is greatest),"
a crying fan told Iraqiya state television after Iraq's 1-0
victory over Saudi Arabia in Jakarta.

Authorities earlier imposed vehicle curfews and security
forces went on heightened alert after 50 people were killed
by suicide attacks against fans after Iraq's semi-final
victory on Wednesday.

Iraqis ignored orders by security and religious leaders not
to fire into the air. Their team, who wore black arm bands
in memory of the dead, had never before made it to the Asian
Cup final.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L29313681.htm

[razzleberry]

3. celebratory car bombs are a poor Iraqi tradition .n/t

[ohio2007]

4. on a side note, how is Iran doing in that 'football' playoff system ?

in the past the mullahs allowed the youth of the nation to "vent" in a victory and "vent" in a defeat.

[ohio2007]

5. Looks like Iraq is champ

Iraqi soldiers shoot in the air as people, waving Iraqi flag, celebrate in streets of central Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, July 29, 2007. Iraqi national soccer team defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the Asian Cup soccer final played in Jakarta. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)





Iraqi soldier shoots in the air as people, waving Iraqi flag, celebrate in streets of central Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, July 29, 2007. Iraqi national soccer team defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the Asian Cup soccer final played in Jakarta. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)



http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070729/D8QMBJ000.html

I know San Antonio fans didn't burn down their city when they won the championship but I bet the Iraqi's could put NBA Piston fans to shame.

[Vinca]

6. On another side note, am I the only one bothered by this news story,

given our 160,000 troops over there? Maybe if the soccer fans enlisted in the Iraqi Army, a few Americans could come home. That, along with the government going on vacation, leaves a very bad taste.