US martyrs 45 Iraqis, library torched, thinkers appeal for security

By: Hamoud Kufi

BAGHDAD, Iraq: As Iraq's scientific community is becoming increasingly concerned over the escalation in kidnappings and the terrorizing of Iraqi intellectuals, a US helicopter fired on a wedding party early Wednesday in western Iraq leaving more than 40 people dead and separately an ancient library in Nasseriyah has been torched.

The latest number circulating inside the scientific community suggests 250 Iraqi scientists have either been killed or kidnapped by organized gangs, while others have been arrested by US occupation authorities. Medical doctors are the most targeted group because of their relatively good financial status.

Lt. Col Ziyad Al-Jbouri, deputy police chief of the city of Ramadi, said between 42 and 45 people died in the US attack, which took place about 2:45 a.m. in a remote desert area near the border with Syria and Jordan. He said those killed included 15 children and 10 women. Dr. Salah al-Ani, who works at a hospital in Ramadi, put the death toll at 45.

“This was a wedding and the (US) planes came and attacked the people at a house. Is this the democracy and freedom that Bush has brought us?” a witness said.

According to the regional archaeological director Abdel Amir Al-Hamadani on Monday the unknown attackers torched the museum library in the city of Nasseriyah. He said the library contained 3,900 rare books.

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Leaders, orgs slam holy sites sacrilege, demand coalition withdrawal

HOLY CITY OF QOM/ KUWAIT CITY: Religious leaders and different organizations from Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Pakistan and Lebanon have severely condemned disgrace of holy sites in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala and fire on the holy mausoleum of Amir-ul-Momineen (Commander of Faithful) Al-Imam Ali (peace be on him) causing harm to its dome which has drawn deep regrets and anger in the Muslim world.

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