I don't remember seeing Powell hugging and kissing on a Baghdad ayatollah

[NNN0LHI]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1107AP_Iraq_Shiite_Power.htm

Baghdad ayatollah embodies Shiite power


BAGHDAD, Iraq -- It's election day and Baghdad's most senior Shiite cleric is reflecting on the momentous rise to power of a community long oppressed by Saddam Hussein.

"Today, we pick the most beautiful and delicious fruit after the liberation of Iraq from oppression, persecution and dictatorship," Ayatollah Hussein Ismail al-Sadr told two reporters Thursday at his heavily guarded home in Baghdad's ancient Kazimiyah district. snip

In 2003, al-Sadr received former Secretary of State Colin Powell at his home, a meeting that proved controversial and made worse by TV footage of the two hugging and kissing.

The encounter caused indignation among senior Shiite clerics and drew condemnations from militant Shiite groups. But al-Sadr remains unrepentant.

This footage must have been for non-western audiences only because I think I would have remembered that had I seen it. Actually I am positive I would have remembered it. Anyone else see this video?

[goclark]

1. It won't open for me :(

[Christa]

2. I get this message

The page you have requested was not found. The link is either incorrect or the page no longer exists. If you believe there is a problem, please send a message to [e-mail].

[NNN0LHI]

3. Heres another link with a photo of the ayatollah

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/3531554.html



Baghdad's top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Hussein al-Sadr, is seen during an interview at his house in Kazamiyah, a mainly Shiite

Dec. 17, 2005, 3:22AM

Baghdad Ayatollah Embodies Shiite Power


By HAMZA HENDAWI and QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA Associated Press Writer
© 2005 The Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq — It's election day and Baghdad's most senior Shiite cleric is reflecting on the momentous rise to power of a community long oppressed by Saddam Hussein.

"Today, we pick the most beautiful and delicious fruit after the liberation of Iraq from oppression, persecution and dictatorship," Ayatollah Hussein Ismail al-Sadr told two reporters Thursday at his heavily guarded home in Baghdad's ancient Kazimiyah district. snip

In 2003, al-Sadr received former Secretary of State Colin Powell at his home, a meeting that proved controversial and made worse by TV footage of the two hugging and kissing.

The encounter caused indignation among senior Shiite clerics and drew condemnations from militant Shiite groups. But al-Sadr remains unrepentant.