Tens of thousands of Iraqis protest the Status of Forces Agreement that has passed the U.S. controlled Iraqi cabinet. The demonstration was organized but not attended by the Shia cleric, Moqtada Sadr, who opposes any deal with the U.S.
Under the forces agreement supported by incoming president Barack Obama, US troops will withdraw from the streets of Iraqi towns and cities next year, with all 150,000 having left Iraq by the end of 2011. The agreement does allow for permanent U.S. military installations in Iraq.
The peaceful crowds waved flags and chanted anti-American slogans in Firdous Square, the scene of the toppling of a statue of Saddam Hussein, five years ago.
Exactley how creating more anti-American sentiment is supposed to bring democracy to Iraq and peace and security to the world is a mystery politicians supporting the wars still cannot explain.