An Iraqi boy displaced from the city of Fallujah looks at a US Marine, as he waits to return home with other members of his family, for his father who was left behind at a US military checkpoint,to return home.                                         (AFP / Patrick Baz)	An Iraqi youth cries near the grave stone of Falluja resident Abu Abdullah, at a makeshift cemetery in the besieged town, April 20, 2004.  The script in Arabic reads 'Abu Abdullah the martyr, mutilated by Americans.'                                                    (Akram Saleh / Reuters)

Update from Occupation Watch's Eman Ahmed Khammas

Thanks for your concern about us here in Iraq. The situation is very tense regarding Najaf. Al-Sadr announced a truce for two days. But a place called Najaf Sea , which is a desert surrounding the town, is full of American forces now. On Friday there were clashes in Kofa, close to Najaf.

I think the American put themselves in a very embarrassing situation. If they attack Najaf, this is the craziest thing they could ever do. It is like attacking Mecca in Saudi Arabia. And it will not only be a militarily mistake, but a political one. Because Al-Sadr the father and two other sons were killed by the previous regime. So if the Americans kill Al-Sadr now, they will lose any political credibility they may have left, if there is any. Al-Sadr, too, has put himself in a difficult situation. He appeared yesterday in the streets. I cannot predict what the Americans will do next re Al-Sadr. It is in their interest to get rid of him before June 30. But it would work against them as well.

Re Falluja , the American forces are besieging a neighborhood called Aamiriat al-Falluja, with a 30,000 population. They are asking people to give up the mujahideen, or else.

I tried to go to Falluja today. We had heard that the bridge was open at last, and the central hospital too. We were on the highway when all of a sudden, American troops appeared. They came out of their armored vehicles, took the firing position and put laser lights in our faces. We froze in our place. We did not know what to do or how to behave. My car was the first facing them. I know a man from Kadimiya who, in a similar situation, tried to turn around and get away. He and two others were killed.

A few seconds later another vehicle approached us with a soldier pointing his gun and shouting 3Go go go.2 So we left as fast as we could. But what I saw on the road was a long line of military trucks filled with supplies , tanks, and vehicles heading to Falluja. Obviously, there is a battle coming, either inside that town or around it. We also saw an Iraqi truck filled with medical supplies with a banner saying 3Islamic Medical Help2. They didn1t let it through.

Falluja is a turning point in the American policy in Iraq. It is also the beginning of a new era for the resistance and for the Iraqi people, too. You cannot imagine what kind of solidarity the people show to Falluja refugees, especially in Shiite neighborhoods! Al-Sadr himself talked about the bravery of the people of Falluja.

What do we need from the outside? Practical help would be medicines from charities, churches, health organizations, and Iraqis in the U.S. This would be a great help, because there are so many civilians wounded and so few supplies. And of course we need help exposing the atrocities the Americans are committing here and trying to stop an attack on Najaf, which would lead to many, many more deaths.

Best,
Eman Ahmed Khammas
Director, International Occupation Watch Center (www.occupationwatch.org)
Occupied Baghdad