This is a companion piece to the front page post currently on top. The front page version of events is from the NYT, and is heavily sanitized.
I was just about to diary about this story from the Back to Iraq blog when I saw the front page. Checking it out, I agree with a commenter there that this needs a diary.
From Back to Iraq;
Bagdad - Earlier this evening, Najaf police chief units decended on Moqtada's office in Najaf, located...only four meters from the [Iman Ali shrine] shrine.
His office was burned to the ground.
More below the fold.
23 people killed, most of them Moqtada's supporters...Iraqi Army and police have been involved in the fights...
Earlier this evening, Moqtada gave the Jaafari government one hour to explain, pull back, or apologize for these attacks.
Fatah al-Sheikh and 20 other members of the government and parliament have "suspended" thier duties until those responcible are punished, he said. It is unclear how this developement will effect tommorow's vote on the constitution.
http://www.back-to-iraq.com/
Holy Shiat Batman, Iraq has run aground! Why are they going after Moqtada now??? He was pretty nicely folded into the "system". Interesting that they burned his office to the ground though. Being able to snuggle so close to the shrine was the only thing that saved him before.
Hum....
