Power struggle in Iraqi town By David Loyn BBC World Affairs correspondent in Kut, eastern Iraq US forces in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut are holding talks with local leaders to try to resolve a dispute over who is in power after the town hall was taken over by an Iranian-backed Muslim cleric. The Americans believe that he does not have popular support and are now trying to dislodge him. The political situation in Kut is inflamed by the proximity of the Iranian border. There are no American forces at the border posts and people are crossing into Iraq at will. A local Shia holy man, Syed Abbas, who is clearly well-funded, has taken over the town hall and is backed by thousands of loyal supporters who have staged rallies every day. But the Americans believe that he does not represent a majority here. US unpopularity The situation is very tense as the marines are holding a meeting with tribal elders. Marines have physically threatened reporters who try to get close to the meeting. Across many cities in the highly-populated centre and east of Iraq, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, the message to the Americans has been the same - now you have got rid of Saddam, you too should leave. Two days ago, in Diwaniyah, at least two people were shot in riots which followed an attempt by marines to impose a leader. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/2960395.stm Published: 2003/04/19 10:21:54 © BBC MMIII
If we took up the policy of shooting every religious leader, or any other politician using religion and god as a weapon, making a grab for public office then Iraq would be a better place. Come to think of it, America would to.
her·e·tic Pronunciation: 'her-&-"tik Function: noun Date: 14th century 1 : a dissenter from established church dogma; especially : a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church who disavows a revealed truth 2 : one who dissents from an accepted belief or doctrine : It fits
