1
in Iraq?
Al Sadr is the young radical Iraqi Shiite
cleric that has been behind the current
conflicts in Iraq.
He is even behind the attacks on US contractors
that were burned and mutilated.
He has a vision of an Iraq that is ruled
by himself and other Shiite leaders, an
Iraq that is governed by radical islamic
law, very much like Afghanistan was under
the rule of the Taliban.
This man is the most wanted terrorist
in this war on terrorism at the moment.
US forces are raiding Najaf where he is
suspected to be hiding.
He gave a TV interview today.
From CNN.com Today...
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The radical Shiite cleric wanted by U.S.-led forces in Iraq said in a TV interview Tuesday that he is ready to die to end the U.S. "occupation."
Although he said he isn't negotiating with what he called the "occupation forces," Muqtada al-Sadr indicated that intermediaries are doing so and that he is leaving room for compromise.
Al-Sadr was interviewed by al-Manar TV, a Lebanese network run by Hezbollah.
Hezbollah is a militant group based in Lebanon that seeks to establish a fundamentalist Muslim state. It has launched attacks against Israel from Lebanon. Al-Sadr has expressed support for its stance against Israel.
"I am ready to sacrifice [myself] and I call on the [Iraqi] people not to allow my death to cause the collapse of the fight for freedom and an end to the occupation," al-Sadr said.
U.S. commanders have said they want him dead or alive, and U.S.-led forces are trying to crush an uprising in several towns led by the cleric's militia, the Mehdi Army, and others.
Earlier Tuesday, the cleric was seen leaving a mosque in Najaf.
"I don't mind giving my life for this precious and dear country. But my message to the Iraqi people is that my killing shouldn't stop them from pursuing what they want as far as refusing occupation, their independence, and the propagation of Islam and peace around the world," he said in the interview.
"I am not important, I'm just a body, You are a proud and free people that refuses all occupation and all aggression. So, don't use my death as an excuse to stop what pleases God and what propagates Islamic law."
Al-Sadr said that "as far as the threats on my life are concerned," he's used to it.
"Killing, arrests or victory, we're used to this. Whatever God sends is merciful."
Al-Sadr said there are no "direct negotiations" between himself and "the occupation forces."
"Negotiations have been held through groups and parties. I do not negotiate with anyone who kills my people, the people of Iraq."
Full Report Link: From CNN.com
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I hope they can get this guy soon.
But there is a great chance they will
only create another even worse if they
do.
What a world.
Gazz
Edited by Gazz, 14 April 2004 - 01:52 AM.
