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al-Qaida in Iraq threaten diplomats
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-04 20:35
In Sadr City, a large Shiite area of Baghdad, crowds of children lined up for
rides at small local amusement parks. But security by police and local militias
remained tight, given all the insurgent attacks that occur in the capital,
including suicide car bombs, drive-by shootings and roadside bombs.
"We cannot fully enjoy Eid because of all the explosions we hear," said Karar
al-Aboudi, 25, the owner of a stall near one park. "We have no reason to
celebrate under occupation and terrorism. We pray to God that in the next Eid,
our country will be stable and free."
In a speech marking Eid in another part of Baghdad, a top Shiite leader urged
voters to support his coalition in Iraq's Dec. 15 parliamentary election.
Abdel-Aziz al-Hakim, head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution
of Iraq, told a crowd gathered at his party headquarters that the aim of his
candidates is "to protect all Iraqis, not only Shiites but also minority Sunnis
and Kurds."
Two major religious parties — SCIRI and Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari's
Dawa Party — form Iraq's top Shiite alliance. Both parties have been criticized
for their close ties to Iran.
When Iraq elected its current interim parliament on Jan. 30, many Sunnis
boycotted the vote, and the Shiite alliance won the biggest share of seats. But
many Sunnis are expected to vote in the Dec. 15 ballot for a new parliament, one
that will remain in power for four years.
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