Iraqi Cleric's Movement Gains Steam

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=716&e=3&u=/ap/20040410/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_shiite_sympathies

BAGHDAD, Iraq - At least 20,000 worshippers, about twice the usual number, gathered for weekly prayers at a mosque run by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, indicating that he may be winning sympathy from more Shiites as his militia challenges U.S. authority in Baghdad as well as across central and southern Iraq.

Aided by hundreds of young seminary students, the 30-year-old cleric and his supporters have in recent days boasted of widening support after mass protests and fighting this week with U.S. and other coalition troops.


"Our movement is stronger today than it was a week ago," said Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior al-Sadr aide. "But most important of all is that God is on our side," he said Friday after prayers in Sadr City, the movement's Baghdad stronghold.


Al-Sadr, whose slain father was one of Iraq's top Shiite clerics, has over the past year mixed street politics, the lure of religion and the pent-up anger of a community oppressed for decades to build a base among mostly young and poor Shiites.

more

[Qanisqineq]

1. Gaining strength or losing support?

Sunnis and Shi'ites uniting or not uniting?
Sadr calling for more violence or calling for truce?

Good grief, I've read each of these things within the last few hours. It just goes to show, do not rely on only one news source!

NNNOLHI -- I've been meaning to thank you for the daily stream of headlines and LBN. You must get up very early and tirelessly search out all these stories. Thanks.

[dbt]

2. I second that!

Thank you, NNNOLHI. It's good to have you digging up the Opposing Viewpoint in the steady avalanche of bullshit that spews from our Thoughtscreens!

:toast:
dbt