Zeyad reports on anti-terrorism demonstrations in Baghdad (via Tim Blair). A few weeks ago the Iraqi interim government designated December 10th as a day for demonstrations against terrorists, Baathists and others who would prevent the formation of a civil society in Iraq. Omar has a list of parties participating. A very diverse set of groups: Arabs, Kurds, Turkomen, Assyrians, Communists, democrats, human rights workers, women's advocates, farmers, doctors, etc. Participation was estimated at 10,000 in Baghdad, with other smaller marches in other parts of the country.
I have yet to see mention of this in the mainstream US press, although I expect an anti-American march of similar size would be headline news.
I tried to convince a few coworkers to form a sympathy demonstration for this morning, but none would take part. There is a linkage between America's safety and the success of democracy formation in Iraq. Demonstrating here and communicating that to Iraqis through blogs is one way we can show them that the US public supports creation of a free society in Iraq and that we will remain until this is accomplished. The next time a sympathy demo is called for, I'll be more persistant in forming one.