Muqtada Sadr urges followers to resort to ‘peaceful’ opposition

[ECH1969]

The Shiite radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr seems to be willing to compromise and is urging his followers not to use force in opposing the Iraqi government and the presence of U.S. troops.

Sadr commands one of Iraq’s most powerful and lethal militias in Iraq and has so far waged two major uprisings against U.S. troops and numerous mutinies against the government.

His group has two ministers in the government as part of the ruling Shiite coalition.

“I want you to wage a peaceful war against them (Americans). I do not wish to see a single drop of blood shed because it is very dear to us. Engage them (Americans) in a popular, peaceful and political war,” he asked his followers.

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2006-09-23%5Ckurd4.htm

[NOLADEM]

1. Oops, translation error..."pieceful resistance" I meant

:hide:

[rpannier]

2. Once again

"...radical cleric Moqtada all-Sadr..."
Notice how it's never "Christian Radical cleric Pat Robertson" or "Christian Radical cleric Jerry Falwell"?

[Eugene]

3. Another al-Sadr power play.

Moqtada al-Sadr has repeatedly shown that he can crank up the violence
and tone it down. After defeating Iraqi government forces in battle,
he now pursues a "peaceful" political agenda from a position of strength.

Two weeks ago, he talked about winning the civil war. Now he's back
to talking about national unity and peaceful resistance to the Americans.
He's a politician with a gun.

[cshldoc]

4. ALL politicians have guns, my friend (n/t)