M a r k D i l l e y

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Bob's Links and Rants: Shiites Protest Occupation

"Tens of thousands of Shiites marked the anniversary of the fall of Baghdad with a protest against the American military presence at the square where Iraqis and U.S. troops toppled a statue of Saddam Hussein two years ago.

The protesters back Muqtada al-Sadr, a radical Shiite cleric whose militia led uprisings against U.S. troops last year, and their large numbers reflected frustration both with the U.S. government and anger toward the Sunni Arab-led insurgency.

'This huge gathering shows that the Iraqi people have the strength and faith to protect their country and liberate it from the occupiers,' said Ahmed Abed, a 26-year-old who sells spare car parts."