Another hudna, perhaps?
Radical Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has reportedly backed for the first time US moves to gradually hand powers over to an interim Iraqi government. The change of heart came in a sermon at Friday prayers in the town of Kufa, two weeks after the government was formed. Mr Sadr, a loudmouth firebrand whose militia has fought US forces since March, called for a new start and an end to conflict, according to witnesses. But his supporters clashed with members of a pro-US faction in nearby Najaf.
| That worked well, didn't it? |
Stones and shoes were thrown in the clash at the shrine of Imam Ali leaving several people injured and forcing the cancellation of Friday prayers.
| "Call a doctor! Mahmoud's been hit by a shoe!" |
Mr Sadr called upon the interim government to work to end the occupation according to a timetable set by Iraqi officials, reported a correspondent for Voice of Mujahidin radio present at the sermon. Mr Sadr added that the formation of the government was a good opportunity to bury past differences and "forge ahead toward the building of a unified Iraq". There has not been any official reaction to Mr Sadr's conciliatory speech in Kufa, where he delivers eye-rolling, spittle-spewing fiery Friday sermons at the main mosque every week.
On Wednesday night and Thursday Mr Sadr's followers had clashed with Iraqi police in Najaf - less than a week after police began patrols under a truce between the militia and US troops. At least six people were killed in the fighting, including police officers, militants and two civilians. Another 29 people were injured, including children.
| And a wonderful time was had by all, except for the dead guys... |
On Friday morning hundreds of supporters of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (Sciri) marched towards the Imam Ali Shrine to express support for the truce. Sadr supporters blocked their way, and fistfights broke out and missiles were thrown.
| "Look out! They got shoes!" |
One top Sciri official was reportedly wounded in the head during the confrontation.
| "Yup. Conked right on the turban by a size 14..." |
| It wasn't the shoe, it was the Marine's foot inside it ... |
The area surrounding the sacred compound is still controlled by Sadr militiamen despite the week-old truce under which they have withdrawn from the rest of the city. |