Iraqis march against 'terror' (and in support of US troops/Americans)

News24.com/AFP ^ | 05/12/2003 | Staff

[veronica]

Baghdad - About 1 000 Iraqis, mostly Shi'ites, rallied in central Baghdad to condemn "terrorism" against Iraqis and United States "liberation" forces on Friday as four Iraqis and a US soldier died in a bomb attack elsewhere in the capital.

Dozens of children aged between five and 10 marched at the front of the protest, with flowers in their hands, under white banners proclaiming in red letters: "Children - innocent victims of terrorism" and: "Terrorism blocks any future for children".

Organiser Sabih Hassan, head of a child protection association set up since the US-led invasion, said they had all "become orphans because of terrorism".

Hassan said the march, the second here in a week, was against "all operations, including those targeting Americans".

"Our children have a vital need for peace and security".

While the protest was under way, four Iraqis and a US soldier died and at least 15 people were wounded when a homemade bomb exploded as an American convoy drove down a crowded shopping street in Baghdad.

Forced out of business

The "Iraqi democratic trend", set up after the war by tribes in the Shi'ite areas of Karbala and Babel in central Iraq, organised the demonstration, said general secretary Aziz al-Yassiri.

Sheikh Abdul Jalil Cherhani, 55, a leading member of the group said: "We are against those who kill Iraqis, those who fight the Americans who liberated the country."

Abed Salman Ali, 43, a former second-hand clothes dealer said he had joined the demonstration to protest against the insecurity that has forced many street vendors like him out of business.

"It doesn't matter who the target is. This violence is blocking the reconstruction of our country," he complained.

Police escorted the demonstrators as they marched down Saadoun Street, the capital's main commercial thoroughfare, on the Muslim day of rest.

But no US military presence was visible, unlike the last such demonstration a week ago.

The protestors marched in groups of around 100, each carrying the banners of their tribes.

A series of similar demonstrations have been organised around Iraq in recent days with the coalition's blessing.

[ArrogantBustard]

While the protest was under way, four Iraqis and a US soldier died and at least 15 people were wounded

It's absolutely vital that Iraqis be at the pointy end of the stick, fighting along with Americans and other Westerners against terrorism. I'm sorry that these five men died; I pray for them and their families. But that four of them were Iraqi demonstrates clearly that they are at the pointy end, where they need to be. I think the leftist press is trying to hide that fact.

[TomGuy]

After VH-1 edits the tapes, this will be billed as the "We Love Hillary Rally" held in Bagdad. Of course, Perky Katie will be gushing as she interviews the Senator and asks about the Parade the Iraqi's gave in her honor.

[Indie]

Hassan said the march, the second here in a week, was against "all operations, including those targeting Americans".

But..but...this can't be true! I've been hearing from Heilary and other leftists that everyone hates us thanks to Bush.
Heilary.. have you been fibbing again....WIDE TRACK!!?

[Coop]

I'd better program my VCR now to catch Dan Rather's report on this march tonight. < / sarcasm >

[TexKat]

Here we go RC, stand up Iraqis and be counted. Fox News is reporting that most of these marchers were Shites from Karbala

Iraqi girls are pictured through barbed wire during a demonstration calling for an end to terrorist attacks against civilians, in downtown Baghdad, Friday Dec. 5, 2003. Participants carried banners reading 'No to terrorism' and expressed support for the U.S.-led coalition that is governing Iraq. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Iraqi youths, carrying banners, demonstrate in downtown Baghdad, calling for an end to terrorist attacks against civilians, Friday Dec. 5, 2003. Participants carried banners reading 'No to terrorism' and expressed support for the U.S.-led coalition that is governing Iraq. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Iraqi men attend a demonstration calling for an end to terrorist attacks against civilians at Firdos square, central Baghdad, Friday Dec. 5, 2003. Participants carried banners reading 'No to terrorism' and expressed support for the U.S.-led coalition that is governing Iraq. The 14th of July mosque is seen on background. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Iraqi youths hold olive branches and carry banners during a demonstration calling for an end to terrorist attacks against civilians, in downtown Baghdad, Friday Dec. 5, 2003. Some participants carried banners reading 'No to terrorism' and expressed support for the U.S.-led coalition. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Iraqi youths, carrying banners, demonstrate in downtown Baghdad, calling for an end to terrorist attacks against civilians, Friday Dec. 5, 2003. Participants carried banners reading 'No to terrorism' and expressed support for the U.S.-led coalition that is governing Iraq. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Iraqi children hold flowers and pro-US Provisional Authority placards. About 1,000 Iraqis, mostly Shiite Muslims, demonstrated in central Baghdad to condemn terrorism and military strikes against Iraqis and the US 'liberation' forces.(AFP/Ahmad al-Rubaye)

[MEG33]

I just saw this on Fox!

[No Blue States]

This is great!

Iraqis Fighting and Marching for their freedom. These people have Much potential. Rather brave i might add to march there at this time.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you, Kat. This is a beautiful sight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Baghdad - About 1 000 Iraqis, mostly Shi'ites, rallied in central Baghdad to condemn "terrorism" against Iraqis and United States "liberation" forces on Friday as four Iraqis and a US soldier died in a bomb attack elsewhere in the capital.

Dozens of children aged between five and 10 marched at the front of the protest, with flowers in their hands, under white banners proclaiming in red letters: "Children - innocent victims of terrorism" and: "Terrorism blocks any future for children".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Iraq-ization, courage, ping!

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[mickie]

BTTT.....

[Alamo-Girl]

Volley bttt!

[luvbach1]

There is no question that the tide could be turned against the terrorists in relatively short order if more ordinary Iraqis helped US Troops with intelligence instead of looking the other way when terrorists move about, or worse, harbor them in their midst. The hate for America, instilled over decades still pervades, along with a socialist-conditioned mindset of dependency which leads Iraqis to wait for the US to solve all problems and provide all needs. If they helped The US defeat the terrorists, all those needs would be met much more quickly. Apparently some Iraqs realize this. But not enough yet.

[blackie]

Be Well ~ Be Armed ~ Be Safe ~ Molon Labe!

[blackie]

FYI ~ Lady.

[blackie]

Iraq-ization, courage ~ Bump!

[No Blue States]

I agree, But it appears that more and more Iraqis are joining the fight against their enemey and realizing it is not the USA. Their fears are starting to subside.

This is encouraging back home as well as to the troops on the ground in Iraq i think.

When Iraqi women and children can gather the guts to march for freedom in such a dangerous place, how can their men not stand up and be counted?

I predict we will have a very good ally in these people as we continue to turn it around with their help.

recently i heard on the radio that there are over 1 million Christians in Iraq. (Focus on the Family Dec 3rd)

[GOPJ]

bump

[speekinout]

that more and more Iraqis are joining the fight against their enemey and realizing it is not the USA. Their fears are starting to subside.

It's amazing to me how far they've come. Less than a year ago, they would have been killed or tortured for expressing their opinions. Saddam is still out there somewhere, but still many have faith that this undertaking will give them freedom and prosperity in the long run.
I think it will. They want it, and we can help.

[PhilDragoo]

"It doesn't matter who the target is. This violence is blocking the reconstruction of our country," he complained.

Forging a stronger alliance with Iraqis against the common enemy of terrorism.