3-7-10

Iraq's Sadr calls on followers to vote in election

In rare public appearance, anti-American cleric calls on followers to vote in Iraq election

http://wire.antiwar.com/2010/03/06/iraqs-sadr-calls-on-followers-to-vote-in-election/

Staff
AP News
Mar 06, 2010 12:59 EST
Anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, in a surprise news conference on the eve of the Iraqi election, has urged his followers to turn out and vote.

The Shiite leader spoke from the capital of neighboring Iran, and the press conference was broadcast on al-Alam television, Iranian state TV's Arabic-language station.
Al-Sadr is believed to be living in Iran and studying in the city of Qom, Iran's foremost seat of Shiite learning.
This is believed to be al-Sadr's first public appearance in two years. But he retains a large following in Iraq which is expected to turn out in large numbers in Sunday parliamentary vote.