Posted on 12/27/2006 9:52:45 PM PST by jmc1969
A top deputy of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr was killed Wednesday during a raid by U.S. and Iraqi troops in the southern holy city of Najaf, sparking protests from Sadr's followers and complicating an already tense relationship with the powerful anti-American leader.
Hurling rocks and shouting expletives, thousands of angry Sadr loyalists marched through the streets of Najaf after Sahib al-Amiri was shot and killed by a U.S. soldier during an early morning raid. "Agents and stooges!" protesters shouted at Iraqi soldiers and local authorities.
In a statement, the U.S. military said Iraqi and U.S. forces were trying to detain Amiri and shot him only when he pointed an assault rifle at an Iraqi soldier.
Bahaa al-Araji, a senior legislator with Sadr's Shiite Muslim party, said discussions about a return to government had been scheduled for Wednesday but were delayed by Amiri's death. "Because of this problem, we'll leave everything for a few days," he said.
The raid also complicates matters for Maliki, a Shiite who is politically beholden to Sadr and has been criticized by U.S. officials for not doing enough to rein in Sadr's Mahdi Army militia.
"We need calm. We don't need more troubles," said Sami al-Askari, a member of parliament and a close Maliki adviser.
On Wednesday, Maliki asked senior U.S. commanders to explain the motive for Wednesday's raid, advisers to the prime minister said.
One adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Maliki has set up a committee to investigate the incident, underscoring his concern that the raid could trigger further violence and dissuade Sadr from political engagement.
Within Maliki's circle, some advisers questioned whether Amiri was killed deliberately, said a senior Maliki adviser who spoke on condition of anonymity. A raid involving American forces in Najaf is particularly embarrassing for Maliki.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
good
It's just like my momma always said, "Stupid is as stupid does.", Mrs. Blue.
It's time for Maliki to go.
its a start.
Yes, if it's a problem for Maliki that someone is shot while pointing an assault rifle at Iraqi soldiers, then it's time for a new leader.
Good riddance!
"Agents and stooges!" protesters shouted at Iraqi soldiers and local authorities.
I am surprised they didn't hurl shoes at them. What ungrateful people they are.
Good news. Someone in the iraqi hierarchy gets it, even if al maliki don't.
No, the people there are OK. Its sadr's stooges that are whining. Let them whine.
He was a good boy.
A few minutes later, the son heard four gunshots. He found his father on the roof with a bullet in his head and three bullets in his chest. . . .
Washington Post employees to demand U.S. advisors be investigated for murder!
Special correspondent Saad Sarhan in Najaf contributed to this report.
Yes, the special correspondent briefed MSM "reporters" on the events in their hotel bar.
What's that? Three "top leaders" in 3 weeks? Looks like we're focusing like a laser beam and dealing with the enemy leadership.
I hope the soldier got one of his ears for a souvenir.
I agree - apparently we are seeing just where his loyalties lie.
And, just why was it Iraq wanted the American forces to stay?
Could it be they merely want our money, our soldiers to rebuild the country?
I think Maliki is a coward afraid to cross some people and willing to provide a subversive force in his government free rein.
He is worthless.
Sadr needs to go like as of yesterday.
Looks like the US is moving against Iran's agents in Iraq. They detained the Iranians from SCIRI, and they are also moving against Sadr in a number of raids.
A proper Iraqi New Year should begin with lining Mooki up in the cross hairs and pulling the trigger.
Ping
Maliki is a coward
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.