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Nbadan
08-15-2004, 04:02 PM
Never mind that Journalists have put their asses on the line in under much more dangerous places. We don't need any witnesses to democracy at work in Najaf....


NAJAF, Iraq, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Iraqi police urged local and foreign journalists in Najaf to leave the holy city on Sunday, citing safety concerns after talks aimed at ending fighting between militia and U.S. forces collapsed.

Najaf police chief Ghaleb al-Jazaeri told a news conference all media should leave the southern city by midday (0800 GMT). snip

A group of policemen armed with rifles and pistols later went to a hotel where foreign and Iraqi journalists were staying.

"I have an order that all journalists must leave Najaf now, anyone who does not leave will be arrested," said a police lieutenant, who gave his name as Mohammed.

more

Alertnet.org (http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/YAT522652.htm)

Nbadan
08-15-2004, 04:06 PM
Maybe this is why Iraqi Police, no doubt under orders from the 'superiors', want journalists out of Iraq?


Sunday, August 15, 2004

Thousands Stream to Najaf

Thousands of Shiites are streaming toward Najaf in hopes of forming a human shield around Muqtada al-Sadr, according to al-Hayat. Many have already gathered at the gates to the old city in Najaf and around the shrine of Imam Ali.

In the meantime, the Allawi government says it intends to send an Iraqi military force into the shrine of Ali after Muqtada al-Sadr and his militiamen, according to al-Sharq al-Awsat. Allawi should be careful. A colleague of mine was reminded of a similarity between the current situation and the Indian government raid on the Sikh Golden Temple in 1984. That invasion of holy space arguably led to the assassination of Indira Gandhi and prolonged civil instability in the Punjab.

John Cole (http://www.juancole.com/2004_08_01_juancole_archive.html#10925521160704769 7)

This is gonna get ugly folks! :vomit

Nbadan
08-15-2004, 04:12 PM
CNN is claiming that terrorists inside the Ali Mosque are threathening to blow it up...anyone buying this?


Iraq claims foreigners threatening mosque
National conference troubled by protests, attacks
Sunday, August 15, 2004 Posted: 12:53 PM EDT (1653 GMT)

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Twenty-five heavily armed foreigners holed up inside the Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf have threatened to blow up the building, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said Sunday in a written statement.

The statement said the interim Iraqi government has ordered national guard forces not to target the mosque, and not to approach it.

The mosque, in the center of Najaf, is a holy site to Shiite Muslims. They believe it houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammed's cousin and son-in-law.

CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/08/15/iraq.main/index.html)

Looks like eventual the raid is on!