SAMARA, 26 January (IRIN) - More than 1,000 protesters hit the streets of Samara, some 125km north of the capital, Baghdad, this week to demonstrate against al-Qaida militants blamed for killing more than 100 local police recruits this month.
The demonstration on 24 January, organised by the Iraqi Islamic Party and the Muslim Scholars' Association, is the first of its kind to specifically condemn the al-Qaida group for alleged terrorist attacks.
"They have to stop killing innocent people like recruits, journalists and children," demanded protest organiser Kamal Ahmed. "If they don't stop, we'll fight them directly," Ahmed added angrily.
Even self-described insurgents, locked in bitter fighting with US and Iraqi military forces, joined in the condemnation.
"We work against the US occupation without hurting innocents," said Abu Omar of the insurgent Islamic Army. "If al-Qaida is against the ideology behind the insurgency, it's time to force them out of our country."
"We will kill the militants to show how far we will go to save the lives of innocent people," Abu Omar added.
Strong words for Zarqawi.
Murtha says there is a civil war in Iraq. He's right but it's the terrorists against each other.
More protests are planned.
Similar anti-al-Qaida demonstrations are planned in the cities of Ramadi and Baghdad in the coming days.
That $25 million must be starting to look good to someone.
Interesting how the BBC will report on an anti-American protest at the drop of a hat. But report on an anti-al Qaeda protest in Iraq? No way.
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