Anti-American Iraqi Cleric Reportedly Visits Syria

Syria Media Report, 19-Dec-08

IWPR

Institute for War & Peace Reporting

Friday, 19 December, 2008

Anti-American Iraqi Cleric Reportedly Visits Syria

Syria Media Report, 19-Dec-08

Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has paid an unannounced visit to Syria, according to a December 14 report on All4Syria website.

Al-Sadr's visit was for religious reasons, and he went to the mosque complex and shrine of Sayida Zeinab, daughter of the Shia martyr Ali, the report said. It cited eyewitness reports that the streets around the shrine had billboards welcoming the Iraqi cleric, who made an impromptu speech there.

Al-Sadr’s visit took place at the same time as Lebanese Christian leader Michel Aoun was at the shrine, and All4Syria said security officers surrounded the area for several hours.

No other media outlet has reported on Sadr’s alleged visit. All4Syria backs the government but also advocates for reform and reports news not carried by the state news outlets.

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