Tuesday, August 24, 2004

IRAQ: NAJAF RESISTANCE

Islamonline: Journalist Paints Human Experience In Najaf

Robertson and Anderson were the only journalists inside the US-besieged Imam Ali shrine for three days, August 17-19.

‘Heartbroken’

Robertson feels "heartbroken" at the destruction done to the time-honored city by the three-week US raids.

"I think taking the war to the old city, to the Shrine was a terrible mistake, and a travesty. Most Americans, if they could see the mosque, and experience how beautiful it is, would agree. It is a sacred place," he said.

The awarded journalist said the conditions of civilians in An-Najaf are deplorable.

"No electricity, no good sources of food and warfare raging outside in the streets. Snipers are a great danger, and they are invisible. Most people are hiding, trapped in their houses.

"These battles have caused a great number of casualties as well as widespread destruction to the edge of the old city of Najaf, he went on.

"I believe that some men have remained behind to protect their houses from looters. This happened in [nearby] Karbala as well."

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