I think it is a good sign that the Iraqi gov't condoned freedom of speech. I didn't read anything in the article about incitement to take direct action against the US. Which considering the source, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Nor can it be construed that the Iraqi gov't condoned such action.
Aagh, you are missing the point! Freedom of speech does not include freedom to threaten bodily harm and to carry out those threats.
"I am proud to join this crowd and I am ready to die for the sake of Lebanon," said Khazim al-Ibadi, 40, a **government employee** from Hillah".
"Death to America" is NOT a figure of speech over there.
That means more attacks on our soldiers in Iraq, attacks that now have been indirectly condoned by the Iraqi government. Not good.