Iraqi clerics say coalition 'must pay' for crisis

CNN ^ | 4/13/04

[claudwitz]

As Iraq's most powerful Shiite clerics warned the U.S.-led coalition that it "must pay" for the current crisis in the country, the head of U.S. Central Command asked the Pentagon for roughly 10,000 more soldiers.

In a statement issued Monday after a meeting with radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, the clerics and members of the country's religious authority also cautioned the coalition against doing battle in the holy city of Najaf -- and warned against any attempt to kill al-Sadr.

[claudwitz]

This is an open declaration of war against the U.S..

[ruiner]

This is the most telling part of the article:

"The battle with al-Sadr's forces began earlier this month, after the coalition shut down his newspaper, Al Hawza, for allegedly inciting violence and then arresting an aide on charges of complicity in the slaying last year of another Shiite cleric."

No mention of the murder of 4 American civilians at the hands of Sadrs supporters.

[sarasota]

Typical CNN. They appear to take delight in reporting this information, ad nauseum. I wish they would stop giving the terrorists so much media time. It makes them look far stronger than they are.

[Williams]

Well, hopefully the Shiites realize they really need us to eliminate their Sadr problem for them. But a nation subdued can plunge into total rebellion. If so, we have to decide whether to put it down.

[LurkedLongEnough]

Memo to Muqtada al-Sadr: Pay? A penny for your thoughts.

[claudwitz]

I've been waiting and hoping for that to occur since this began, it no longer appears to be an option.

I think our best option now is to fan the flames of civil war and let'er rip - its the greatest fear of regional leaders because of the obvious consequences.

[elfman2]

What “powerful Shiite clerics? Sadar’s junior supporters? A other few junior wanabies envious of Sadar’s new fame. al-Sistani wasn’t there.

[DCPatriot]

I like their reference to a "religious authority". (NOT)

[bored at work]

Okuma Muqtada . . . means no worries. . . bring it on!

[mrsmith]

Their actual statement:

"Those who have brought on this crisis must pay for what they have done."

I assume there is something elsewhere in the statement that implies this means the CPA. However that is not given.

[MizSterious]

Some days, I almost think we should release Saddam and reinstate him and his merry Baathists--and turn the Shi'ites over to their "tender mercies." I'm concerned that not only are these people unready for democracy--they're not worthy of it.

[bushfamfan]

If all attempts fail, we are going to have to bomb Iraq widescale and leave the Kurds in control. These people are radicals with no sense of civilization and make themselves out to be 'Allahs'. Iraq needed to be dealt with, we have attempted to deal with it. We may just need to keep killing until terrorists and their appeasers do not have enough power. Bomb widescale and warn them if they do not calm and attack our troops. This is their insane part of the world that continues to cause the world such harm. They are insane and need to be dealt with by force. We have to continue to confront the Saddams and those who would rise up in radicalism like Saddam. I hope the President will make it clear that we will deal with those attempting to cause harm to us.

[Dauntless Femme Fatale]

Yes it is. If they want trouble...we will bring it. We will stifle this rag tag group of radicals. I think we should all remember that this is not an "insurrection" as the media keeps stating. This is a power struggle arising from the few in an attempt to turn a "liberated" Iraq into a radical state. The Iraqi people, by and large, are not in support of a Islam-o-fascist hellhole for a country. I just hope they begin to stand with our military and try to fight for their freedom along side the coalition. Furthermore, let's all thank God we have a brave, wise administration and commander-in-chief instead of a cowardly socialist. (ahem...Gore, anyone?)

[PsyOp]

Time for a naval blockade of Iran's ports and oil terminals.

[sheik yerbouty]

I say "Jihadists must be sent to Allah!"

[MNJohnnie]

This is an open declaration of war against the U.S..

No, it is a stupid mis-statement by an arrogant CNN reporter. What the Shiite Cleric's said is

Those who have brought on this crisis must pay for what they have done."

Yes, CNN with their usual casual disregard for intellectual Honesty and facts ASSUMES that means the Coalition because that fits THEIR partisan political agenda of spreading fear and hysteria about Iraq. However, link THAT statement with Sadar's statement about willing to be be a Martyr and it may just mean the Shiite leaders are saying "Sadar is all yours. We wash our hands of him"