Thousands of Iraqis Decend On Najaf

[Nbadan]

NAJAF, Iraq : Thousands of Iraqis descended on Najaf after Moqtada Sadr urged his Shiite militia to fight on, while US and Iraqi forces closed in on his stronghold and a British journalist was abducted in the south.

Around 2,000 demonstrators marched under the blazing sun from Najaf's twin city of Kufa after Friday prayers, straight through the US and Iraqi lines to the revered Imam Ali mausoleum.

Showered with sweets and water, they embraced members of Sadr's Mehdi Army who have battled US-led forces for nine days in this beseiged pilgrimage city and shouted their support for the cleric and his fighters.

"All of us are soldiers of Moqtada Sadr. With our blood and our soul, we serve you Ali" chanted demonstrators, none of them carrying weapons.

Militiamen refused 5,000 dinar notes being handed out by one man, waving him off. "We are mujahedeen," or holy fighters, they said, as he desperately tried to shove the money in their pockets.

Channel News Asia

Anyone remember our debate on winning Iraqi hearts and minds? Well, it looks like we are losing it.

[Hook Dem]

"Around 2,000 demonstrators marched under the blazing sun from Najaf's twin city of Kufa after Friday prayers, straight through the US and Iraqi lines to the revered Imam Ali mausoleum.".........."Anyone remember our debate on winning Iraqi hearts and minds? Well, it looks like we are losing it." ...................Hah! 2,000? Hardly a drop in the bucket! Get real!