[RhinofromWA]

Shiites demand Saddam's execution
Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Posted: 6:47 AM EST (1147 GMT)

Shiite Muslims march through Baghdad.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Thousands of Shiite Muslims marched through Baghdad on Tuesday, clamoring for Saddam Hussein's execution in the latest show of strength by a community repressed for decades by the former dictator.

Link to article

Well, Call to execute Saddam and to expedite an election.

"Saddam is a war criminal, not a POW ... execute Saddam," the 5,000-strong crowd chanted. It was believed to be the first public demonstration in Iraq to demand death for Saddam since was captured by U.S. forces on December 13.

The rallies were far smaller than one Monday in which nearly 100,000 Shiites marched in the Iraqi capital to demand early, direct elections, rejecting a U.S. blueprint for handing over power on July 1 to an unelected Iraqi provisional government.

The Shiites are fearfull they will once again be refused voice in the new goverment. Looks like the schedule is July 1 for an elected assembly, and a Iraqi constitution to be ratified in 2005. They want an election by May, but the US and UN don't thinkit is feasible to have a honest election in that short a time.

There are some emotional quotes from people wanting Saddam dead. I don't think the US will relinquish the POW status Saddam has now.

Anyone else see this this morning and think it new"z" worthy?

Debate when elections can be held?

Saddam getting treated better than deserved?