As reported widely, Spanish Coalition forces have fired on protesters in Najaf, killing 19 or more Iraqis who were protesting at the closure of a pro—Moqtada Sadr newspaper, which had been inciting violence against Coalition forces. Reports suggest that armed protesters had fired on the Spanish troops first, as the demonstration approached the Spanish camp. It's difficult to find blame with the Spaniards, particularly with the memory of last week's grotesque lynching of four US contractors, in that oasis of civilization, Fallujah.

Posted by Michael  04 04 04