U.S. Civilians Confront U.S. Military in Najaf, Iraq

[Robbien]

NAJAF, IRAQ - April 23 - As numerous people from nonprofit organizations working in Iraq evacuated the country during the past week, an independent emergency delegation of U.S. civilians was preparing to enter the conflict-torn nation,traveling to the tense stand-off around Najaf, where the U.S. military recently deployed almost 3,000 troops for a looming assault to crush Shiite rebels there.

The Najaf Emergency Peace Team, "Peace Between Peoples", a handful of determined volunteers from several well-established peace/global justice/human rights and religious organizations, has now arrived in the area, to place themselves "nonviolently, symbolically and physically" between the U.S. armed forces massed nearby and the civilian population of the ancient holy city - in the way of any American military assault.

The delegation has received messages of encouragement from religious and community leaders in south-central Iraq, including an advisor to Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. "We understand the dangers of our journey, but we are determined to try and contribute in our own small way to peace and justice for the people of Najaf and Iraq. Only when peacemakers are willing to shoulder some of the same risks that soldiers take in war, can we begin to move away from the cycle of violence that grips human society at the dawn of the 21st century," says the group's statement.

Meg Lumsdaine, Peter Lumsdaine, Mario Galvan, Trish Schuh, and Brian Buckley - of California, New York and Virginia, respectively - are now in south-central Iraq to carry out their peace mission.

http://www.commondreams.org/news2004/0423-07.htm

[NNN0LHI]

1. Oh, shit. I hope they have their life insurance premiums paid up n/t

[Robbien]

2. Wonder how they got there

If everyone is getting kidnapped all over Iraq, how did these guys get to Najaf?

Anyway, it is hard to believe that the US will attack. They have already reduced their forces from 2500 to 500. Iran said if the US attacks the city, they will attack the US. Najaf is probably safe right now.

[NNN0LHI]

5. Not doubting you but would you mind pointing me toward the Iran story?

Thanks in advance.

Don

[ozymandius]

7. Keep Out of Najaf, Iran Warns US

Published on Friday, April 23, 2004 by the Guardian/UK
Keep Out of Najaf, Iran Warns US
by Dan De Luce in Tehran

Iranian clerics have warned the US that a military assault on two holy cities in Iraq would unleash the wrath of Shia Muslims.

Their warning was echoed by President Mohammed Khatami, who said it would be "suicide" for the coalition to attack Najaf and Kerbala, still encircled by US forces.

It would "mobilise emotions among the world's Shia against the Americans", he added in a statement reported by Tehran newspapers. "I do not think they will make such a mistake, because if they did they would be caught up in a storm."

Three senior clerics used stronger language, saying they would issue fatwas (religious rulings) if the pilgrimage sites remained encircled.


http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0423-03.htm

[Robbien]

8. Sure

Meanwhile, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami warned that a US attack on the Shi'ite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala would be "suicide" and cautioned against killing firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/World/story_51882.asp

and Juan-Cole talks about it

[NNN0LHI]

10. Thanks ozymandius and Robbien. I had not seen that until now

Much appreciated and sorry for bothering you guys.

Don

[ozymandius]

9. Iran speaker warns against Najaf attack

Iranian Speaker of parliament Mehdi Kroubi Friday warned the United States against attacking the city of Najaf in central Iraq, the Shiites' holiest shrine.

The U.S. should take into considerations the dire consequences of such a dangerous act as attacking the holy Najaf which is considered a main shrine for Muslims in general and the Shiites in particular, Kroubi said at a news conference in Beirut before ending a three-day official visit.

He said Iran strongly condemns the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq and insists on the Iraqi people's right for independence and self-determination.

http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=3e7022ad468d3bb7

[fishnfla]

3. OMFG!

They are gonna get excoriated there, or when they get back here.

Them folks got some back!

[LittleApple81]

4. Like in Palestine: will the US army use the Caterpillars? n/t

[Zhade]

13. If so, will we do like the IDF did?

Will one of our soldiers roll over a clearly-visible activist in a neon orange jacket with a bullhorn to her mouth?

Will our military likewise whitewash and lie about the "investigation" and exonerate the murderer?

[NMDemDist2]

6. Now that's what I call courage of your convictions

God Bless them and keep them safe and God Speed to their mission of peace and hope.

[ugarte]

11. Why aren't these people called heroes, too?

If it takes guts to carry a weapon in battle, how much more courage to enter a war zone unarmed?

[NMDemDist2]

12. Welcome to the 700 club ugarte

:hi: