src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20061001/capt.sge.stf76.011006133549.photo00.photo.default-512x384.jpg?x=180&y=135&sig=u7yElo0IDwdd1J2xrHm34Q--"
Posted on 10/02/2006 2:34:50 AM PDT by BlackVeil
BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraqi Shiite residents of Baghdad's Sadr City have expressed anger on over a picture of a grinning Jesus they mistook for a Shiite holy figure that appeared in the area after a joint US-Iraqi operation.
Residents found a picture of "Buddy Jesus" from the 1999 film "Dogma" posted in the streets, accompanied by a badly photocopied pamphlet bearing a crude approximation of a US military crest and outlining a US "plan" to subjugate the neighborhood.
"That picture abuses our Imam Mahdi and his holy character, and mocks our sacred figures," said resident Abu Riyam Sunday, apparently mistaking the satirical movie still of Jesus for one of Shiite Islam's historical imams, whose images adopt a Jesus-like iconography.
The grinning, winking model of Buddy Jesus giving a thumbs-up sign appeared in the comedy film as a fictional attempt by the Catholic Church to present a kinder and more accessible image of Christianity.
"If it wasn't so serious it would be funny," said a coalition spokesman, Major Will Willhoite.
The pamphlets outlined a so-called plan to discredit the militias in the sprawling Baghdad slum of two million people, a stronghold of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
"Destabilize security in the militia areas with explosions and assassinations to create panic" and "killing, raping and kidnapping women" were all measures the pamphlet recommended to cause people to lose faith in the militias.
"Do not tell the suspect militias of these plans, but keep them among friendly forces," admonished the pamphlet.
The US military did not confirm that it had conducted an early-morning raid into Sadr City on Sunday, but said that an Iraqi force accompanied by coalition advisors did conduct an operation in "northeast" Baghdad.
Much of Baghdad's violence has been laid at the feet of Shiite militias, many of whom are based in Sadr City, but US forces have yet to enter the neighborhood in force.
'Buddy Jesus'Ping
Shia Muslims are one of the few in Islam who do allow devotional pictures of holy men and women.
They are angry because they have mistaken the satire picture to be one of Imam Mahdi, their holy figure. He is often represented with a halo, and Imam Hussein with a sacred heart.
They will be almost as annoyed when they work out that it is supposed to be a picture of Jesus.
I wonder who was the author of this nasty prank?
U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. Barry Johnson said the photo was a "rather ridiculous attempt" to discredit the raid. It was unclear how it ended up at the site.
Islam better learn how to be less offended if they want to survive in the modern era.
I would have no problem NOT discussing Islam if they weren't so busy trying to kill westerners.
Buddy CHRIST! Dammit... if you are going to complain, at least get the name right.
P.S. Great movie.
Must have been someone who accompanied them on the raid, and had the pictures ready to distribute. According to reports, there were quite a number of them everywhere.
That offense "piss" work came to Melbourne Australia, which is not all that Christian a city, but people got tired of it. The artist was threatened, the picture got vandalised, and he left town.
Should have happened earlier. He was complaining that he had been alright in New York, etc. Let him stay there.
I have not seen the film, but I am much inclined to share your opinion. It sounds like another ignoble mockery of the Catholic Church, and Christianity in general.
"If it wasn't so serious it would be funny," said a coalition spokesman, Major Will Willhoite.
It is a particularly bad film.
*sigh* Looks like we'll have to stop posting pictures of Jesus. Don't want to confuse the Muslims....they may riot.
The pamphlets outlined a so-called plan to discredit the militias in the sprawling Baghdad slum of two million people, a stronghold of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
"Destabilize security in the militia areas with explosions and assassinations to create panic" and "killing, raping and kidnapping women" were all measures the pamphlet recommended to cause people to lose faith in the militias.
Some joker trying to be smart, and it is not difficult to stir up trouble in Baghdad.
Looks like a Gay Leather wedding picture...
Sunnis, maybe?
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