Cleric: Iraqis Will Stand Up to U.S.

[leftchick]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040405/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_cleric_s_demands&cid=540&ncid=1480

<snip>CAIRO, Egypt - The radical Iraqi Shiite cleric that the United States has labeled as an "outlaw" said on Monday that Iraqis were not afraid to die and would stand up to America's military might.


In a signed statement, Muqtada al-Sadr demanded coalition forces stop attacks Iraqis and cease arrests of those suspected of involvement in the worsening insurgency inside Iraq (news - web sites).

"They (the U.S.-led forces) have the money, weapons and huge numbers, but these things are not going to weaken our will because God is with us," according to the statement, which was sent to The Associated Press by the Qatar-based satellite TV station al-Jazeera.

"Tell them (coalition forces) that we don't fear death and martyrdom gives us dignity from God," the statement said.

[IndianaGreen]

1. We are turning Al-Sadr into an Iraqi Ayatollah Khomeni

Incarceration will turn him into a hero to all Shias, as well as many Sunnis. Death will make him invincible!

[underpants]

2. Yep

Gee I wish someone who would have mentioned that this might happen before they decided to start the war.........if only.

[RedEarth]

3. Sure enough......

We think we have problems now in Iraq, just wait.......all hell will break loose if we kill or arrest this guy.

[leftchick]

4. Muqtada al-Sadr – a profile : Al-Jazeera

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/815FF50A-4D63-43CB-A404-84DF9E6CDF70.htm


Muqtada al-Sadr has recently emerged as a Muslim Shia leader who vociferously rejects the US-led occupation in Iraq.

He is seen by many Shia and politicians as a zealous leader who has chosen the wrong time for this escalation of protests.

About 30 years old, al-Sadr is a son of the Grand Ayat Allah Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr, a prominent Iraqi Shia leader who was killed in 1999 along with two of his other sons.

Hardly known outside Iraq, and lacking the religious education and degrees required by Shia doctrines, al-Sadr bases his religious authority on his lineage.

.... A lot more.