August 12, 2004

IF THESE GUYS WANT TO BE MARTYRS WHY DO THEY HIDE?:

US STORMS CLERIC'S HOME (Sky News, 8/12/04)

American forces have stormed the Najaf home of radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al Sadr, according to witnesses.

The move came after US warplanes pounded positions close to his home and took control of the centre of the Iraqi holy city.

Thousands of civilians have already fled after the US gave notice of a major attack to flush out the insurgents loyal to Sadr.

Interim prime minister Iyad Allawi responded to the continuing violence by calling on the insurgents to lay down their weapons and "return to civil society."

"The political process is open to everyone and all are invited to take part. We also call on armed men to evacuate the holy shrine and not to violate their holiness," he said in a statement.

Mr Allawi was referring to the Imam Ali Mosque, one of Shi'ite Islam's holiest sites.

Posted by Orrin Judd at August 12, 2004 4:09 PM
Comments

Someone should spread the rumor that martyrs who die from an American bullet get twice the number of virgins.

Posted by: Robert Duquette at August 12, 2004 6:24 PM

Or chocolate-covered raisins.

Posted by: jim hamlen at August 13, 2004 1:17 AM

Or no virgins at all -- curse these infidels.

Posted by: jd watson at August 13, 2004 4:47 AM
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