US Tightens Necef Noose

The Iraqi National Guard fought side by side with US forces in Najaf yesterday, and Iraqi Interim Defense Minister Hazim Al-Shaalan announced that the Iraqi soldiers were preparing for a final assault on the Tomb. The Kalashnikov-armed Iraqi National Guard reportedly took up position on Al-Madina Street, 400 meters from the Tomb.

Shaalan told journalists at the US headquarters in Najaf that if Sadr maintained his resistance he would be taken "dead or alive". He concluded his remarks saying, "If Sadr turns himself in, this would be great both for him and his compatriots."

Sadr spokesman Ali Smeisim said last evening that they were ready to meet and discuss a way to end the standoff.

In Basra, many Shiite militiamen took to the streets to demand that the US withdraw from Najaf. In Amara, 12 people lost their lives in clashes between Shiite militiamen and British forces.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi government rejected Iran’s suggestion that Iraq should immediately meet with its neighbors to discuss the situation in Najaf. Iraqi interim Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said, "The issue here is a domestic one, and that is supposed to be solved with respect for laws and the sovereignty of the state."

Zebari called upon Arabic and Muslim countries to condemn the anti-Islamic attitude of Mahdi Army militia.