Al-Sadr: Political Process Legitimizes 'Occupation'; the Radical Shiite Cleric Says He Will Not Interfere with Iraqi Government

Summary

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NAJAF, Iraq (AP) - Scores of supplicants filed slowly past Muqtada al-Sadr, kissing his hands in a show of loyalty to this fiery young anti-American cleric who has created one of the most dynamic religious and political movements in Iraq.

But despite the support he enjoys, al-Sadr told The Associated Press in a rare interview he would steer clear of Iraqi politics as long as U.S. troops remain in the country, and warned the current government legitimizes the occupation instead of preparing for its end.

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Al-Sadr: Political Process Legitimizes 'Occupation'; the Radical Shiite Cleric Says He Will Not Interfere with Iraqi Government

"As long as the occupier is here, I will not interfere in the political process," he said, adjusting himself on a brown cushion lying on the floor of a long hallway. "I would like to condemn and denou...

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