From The Washington Times::
Radical cleric Sheik Muqtada al-Sadr, ending weeks of tacit cooperation with American forces, called for renewed efforts to drive U.S. forces out of Iraq on the eve of a major anti-American rally in Najaf today.
Thousands of supporters, mainly Shi'ites, were streaming into the central Iraqi city for the rally, according to reports from Najaf, while Iraqi authorities closed the capital to all vehicle traffic during today's anniversary of the fall of Saddam Hussein.[snip]
Even before the rally, defiant handbills appeared in the shrine city bearing Sheik al-Sadr's official seal, the Associated Press reported. The warning appears to signal an end to eight weeks of tacit cooperation with the U.S. military, which has permitted a reduction in Shi'ite militia violence under the Baghdad Security Plan.
"You, the Iraqi army and police forces, don't walk alongside the occupiers, because they are your archenemy," said the statement, which also urged the cleric's followers to end sectarian infighting and turn all their efforts on the Americans.
"God has ordered you to be patient in front of your enemy, and unify your efforts against them -- not against the sons of Iraq," the statement said.[snip]
One American observer said the crowds appeared disciplined, contradicting the ragtag reputation that the Mahdi's Army has earned over the past four years.
Iraqis close to the militia say its members have been to Iran for training, acquiring better weapons and better techniques.
Sheik al-Sadr reportedly has told his followers to wear civilian clothing rather than their signature black clothes, and to carry the Iraqi flag rather than the Shi'ite black banner. By Saturday, along one street in northeast Mansour known to be a Mahdi's Army stronghold, Iraqi flags were waving from every other lamppost.
First, I have no problem withe the Iraqi people flying their own flag, that is proper. But this is like the Mexican illegals who now fly the USA Flag when they protest and march; it is false. It is a simple ruse, it has nothing to do with how they feel. Mookie learned some new tricks in Iran is all this means.
In my opinion, he has been watching the hezbocrats with their cut and run attitude and Nancy :the Damascus Deva" Pelosi's unlawful trip to the Middle East and he has decided to help the hezbocrats achieve their goals of getting us out of Iraq, before it is time.
you have to understand, what our elected cockroaches say back here is watched closely in the Middle East and it has very real conciquences.
