Iraqi women, children march against (Iraqi) "terrorists"

Reuters | 12/05/03

[kattracks]

BAGHDAD, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Up to 1,000 Iraqis, including children orphaned by the war that ousted Saddam Hussein, marched through Baghdad on Friday to denounce guerrilla attacks and show support for U.S.-led occupation forces.

Carrying banners blaming Saddam loyalists for "terrorism", the demonstrators marched down one of Baghdad's busiest streets before gathering in Firdos Square, where a statue of Saddam was famously pulled down as U.S. troops drove into the heart of the capital in April.

"We organised this demonstration because the terrorists now kill a lot of people," said Abdul Aziz Al-Yassiri, coordinator of the Iraqi Democratic Trend, a recently formed social group.

"They kill the children, kill women, kill the people, kill the police. They want to stop our plan for a democratic system."

It was the second time in two weeks that demonstrators gathered in significant numbers to back U.S. attempts to rebuild the country and denounce guerrilla activities. Another march is planned for next Friday, the Muslim holy day.

Most of those who marched were Shi'ite Muslims, who make up about 60 percent of Iraq's population but were discriminated against under Saddam, a Sunni.

Several dozen young children holding flowers marched at the head of the demonstration while women accompanying them held up placards reading "Terrorism blocks the future for children" and "Children -- innocent victims of terror".

At least four Iraqis were killed on Friday in a bomb blast on a busy street in eastern Baghdad. One U.S. soldier was also killed in the explosion, which occurred as a crowded public bus and a U.S. military convoy were passing each other.

Iraqi police and ordinary civilians have increasingly become victims of insurgents, who strike almost every day.

The Iraq Body Count, an Anglo-American non-governmental group, estimates that as many as 9,800 Iraqi civilians have died since U.S. forces invaded to overthrow Saddam.

Over the same period, more than 500 U.S. and coalition soldiers have been killed either in direct military combat, in accidents or at the hands of anti-coalition guerrilla fighters.

In the seven months since Washington declared major combat over in the country, the U.S.-led civilian authority has struggled to set up structures to usher in democracy, a task complicated by the dogged insurgency.

"No mercy to those who have no mercy towards people," screamed one protester on Friday. "We will go ahead with our democratic process despite these acts."

[VaMarVet]

Google News and Yahoo News searches resulted in a rehash of the original Reuters story, picked up by other outlets. Of course, this story is not given a 'stand alone' status - four Iraqis, one US soldier killed in Baghdad is the typical headline for articles that mention the protest.

[metalboy]

Is there anyway we can trade these Iraqis for Demon-rats?

[jriemer]

I'm shocked that Reuters even reported the story at all.

[Grampa Dave]

Actually, after about 1 week after 9/11/2001, the super rich Opecker Prince, who controls Reuters, banned the use of words like terrorists and terrorism in any news item where Islamo terrorists committed an act of terrorism around the world.

This is an interesting change for Reuters. Maybe the Super Rich Opecker Saudi Prince who controls Reuters has had a change of heart since the two Terrorist attacks in Saudi land.

[Valin]

This needs a bump.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I wonder why Reuters saw fit to put the word "terrorists" in quotes in their above title. I guess they don't consider people who blow up civilians in random attacks to be terrorists.

[BOBTHENAILER]

Have we now reached the tipping point in bringing democracy to IRAQ?? This may spread like wildfire!!!

I think it will. As to your previous post in re Daschle's being sad, I hear he's being ousted as Majority Leader. I think Rush started the buzz.

[Smile-n-Win]

Rooters refuses to call them terrorists because ... by that logic they might as well call themselves terrorists.

[Smile-n-Win]

All tragic, and all Saddam's fault.

Exactly! Shame on those who try to blame these deaths on America.

[Manda_DeMoss]

I say you go girls..........I am so tired of hearing that "no weapons of mass destruction speech" What about all the people that were saved by taking Sadam out of power. Let's see -----mass graves, raping women, killing people in mass numbers with poisonous gases. If the shoe was on the other foot I bet we would be glad someone cared enough to help. What about them wanting to have a better life too......I think they have been through enough and deserve to be free. I thank God everyday that there were soilders who fought for me to be free!!!!!!!!

[speekinout]

That sign really says it all. It's clearly designed for the US press. Which is why they won't show it.

[happygrl]

it is Reuters, an English "news service"

As I recall, Reuters, in fact, is owned by the Saudis.

Grampa Dave, can you confirm this ?

[Grampa Dave]

Not at this time. When the edict came out shortly after 9/11 for Reuters not to use the words terrorist and terrorism with acts of Islamoterrorism. The major Saudi Owner was named.

I can't find that with our current search mechanism. Google and other searches block who controls Reuters.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

What it shows is that the Iraqi women have a greater control and understanding of the english language than Reuters. There is no reason for the quotation marks.

Would they quote me as saying "Doug Flutie is a gifted "football player"?" - No - they would not. He is a football player. The terrorists are terrorists. The only people who think the quotation marks are necessary are the enemy within our walls - Reuters et al.

Now for extra credit - is it correct to refer to Reuters as a "News Service" - as there are many who think "Propaganda Service" might be a better category? I think in the case of Reuters the quotation marks are highly appropriate.

[SuziQ]

The Iraq Body Count, an Anglo-American non-governmental group, estimates that as many as 9,800 Iraqi civilians have died since U.S. forces invaded to overthrow Saddam.

Is this group claiming that this many Iraqis have died as a result of the fighting? It is entirely plausible that, in a country the size of Iraq, this many people could have died, but from many different causes, not just from the war.

[The Old Hoosier]

The Iraq Body Count, an Anglo-American non-governmental group, estimates that as many as 9,800 Iraqi civilians have died since U.S. forces invaded to overthrow Saddam.

How in the world did this organization become a credible source?

[ppaul]

WMD?

AP Survey: 61,000 Baghdad residents executed by Saddam