Shia Iraqis Protest Against the U.S. Presence in Iraq

Shiite Iraqis protest against the U.S. military presence in Iraq during a demonstration in Baghdad, Iraq Monday, April 18, 2005. They are carrying photos of Shiite Ayatollah Mahmoud al-Hassani, who called for the protest

It's really interesting to see that all attempts of dividing the Iraqi resistance into Sunni and Shia aren't working, and that Iraqis still know who to protest against. It's interesting to see that all the attempts of creating fake enemies to Iraqis aren't working, and that they know what's their national priorities. Ayatollah Al-Hasani is one of the students of Ayatollah As-Sadr (the father of Moqtada). They represent millions of Shia across the country, and they are taking a very respected national stand, unlike the Sistani-Hakim shameful stand.

Iraqi forces found scant evidence of a hostage crisis in a town south of Baghdad yesterday, and government officials said claims that 150 Shi'ites had been held were likely exaggerated for political purposes.

Troops from the Interior Ministry's special commando unit searched Madain, 40km southeast of Baghdad, for hours yesterday but found little evidence of hostages or gunmen, contradicting claims made by Shi'ite leaders in recent days.

Government officials suggested the situation was exaggerated because Shi'ites, who won elections in January but have yet to see victory converted into political power, are seeking to gain leverage over their rivals, including Sunnis.

Shia and Sunni Iraqis stood strongly against what happened in Madain the other day, and will stop against any future attempts of starting internal clashes. All the plans of bushtani-hakim to start side battles with Arabs and Sunnis won't work.