Cutouts of the U.S. president and the British and Israeli prime ministers loom above scores of thousands of marchers in Baghdad (RFE/RL)
August 4, 2006 -- More than 100,000 Iraqi Shi'ites marched through Baghdad today carrying banners protesting at Israel's military offensive in Lebanon and shouting support for Hizballah, Lebanon's Shi'ite militia.
The rally was organized by radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
Many of the marchers wore white shrouds to symbolize their readiness for "martyrdom," and trod on flags of Israel and the United States painted on the ground.
(compiled from agency reports)
The Middle East Crisis
The Middle East Crisis
CLASH OF ARMS: Since mid-July, Israel has been battling Hizballah guerrillas in southern Lebanon and carrying out punishing air strikes throughout the country. International efforts to broker a cease-fire have met with one obstacle after another, as civilian casualties mount and a humanitarian crisis unfolds. Since Hizballah is closely supported by Syria and Iran, the conflict threatens constantly to develop into a regional conflagration.... (more)
RELATED ARTICLES
Israel Steps Up Assault Despite Hizballah Warning
'We The People Are The Big Losers'
Iranians 'Volunteer' To Help Hizballah
Lebanon Cancels Talks After Bloody Qana Attack
The World Searches For An Elusive Solution