Region | Iraq
Thousands of Al Sadr supporters protest US-Iraq security deal
Thousands of supporters of prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada Al Sadr gathered on a central Baghdad square Friday for a mass prayer to protest a proposed US-Iraqi security pact.
- Agencies
- Published: 13:41 November 21, 2008
- Thousands of followers of Shiite cleric Muqtada Al Sadr gather in Baghdad to protest a proposed Iraq-US security pact.
- Image Credit: AP
Baghdad: Thousands of supporters of prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada Al Sadr gathered on a central Baghdad square Friday for a mass prayer to protest a proposed US-Iraqi security pact.
Security remained tight, with Firdous Square sealed off to unofficial traffic and heavily guarded by Iraqi security forces.
Iraq's parliament has pushed forward with debate on the deal that would see US military presenc in Iraq for another three years and a vote is expected on Monday.
Howevery, the noisy opposition by the Sadrists suggests that even if approved, the deal could remain divisive in a country struggling for reconciliation.
Despite attempts by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, a Shiite, to defend the security pact opponents view the security deal as a surrender to US interests.
The Iraqi Cabinet has approved the agreement, meaning it stands a good chance of passage in the 275-seat parliament where the government's parties dominate.
A narrow vote for approval will cast doubt on the legitimacy of the new terms governing the US troop presence.
Share this article
Popular in News
News Editor's choice
-
Anti-terror force enlisted for Haj
Aerial surveillance to complement normal security operations
-
English to stay as medium of instruction
Lack of funding of scientific research in Arab world criticised
-
Global Village opens with a revamped layout
Four gates will have themes making it easier to find specific pavilions
