Rebel Shi'ite Cleric Declares Two-Day Najaf Truce

[maddezmom]

NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Rebel Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has declared a two-day cease-fire in Iraq's holy city of Najaf, his spokesman said Sunday.
Qays al-Khazali told a news conference that Sadr's Mehdi Army militia would halt military operations in and around Najaf during commemorations for the anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad's death. These take place Monday and Tuesday.

But Khazali also struck a defiant note. "The Americans are escalating the situation and the Mehdi Army is ready," he said.

About 2,500 U.S. troops have been poised on the outskirts of Najaf for several days, with orders to kill or capture Sadr, whose militia staged an anti-U.S. revolt earlier this month.

~snip~
more: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=4856861

[0007]

1. Did the Americans agree to a two-day cease fire?

Another question. What's the difference between a hostage and a POW?

[maddezmom]

3. haven't heard confirmation on the 1st question

and on the 2nd...got me.

[SoCalDem]

2. I always find it "odd" that wars "stop" for religious holidays

Especially religious wars :eyes:

[acmavm]

4. They called 'time out' in Viet Nam during Christmas every year I

seem to remember. I think the average time that the truce lasted was about 30 seconds. Or maybe it was some Vietnamese holiday, whatever. Anyway point is, if this one lasts without someone doing something stupid, I'll be surprised.

[TahitiNut]

5. Hostilities ceased during Tet, too. (Until 1968.)

:shrug:

Vung Tau was an in-country R&R center ... for both the US and VC. It was fairly common knowledge that personnel from both sides were there. The various intelligence organizations were quite active in Vung Tau.

[bemildred]

6. He's picked up one of the tricks.

Learns fast he does.