AUSTRALIAN CLERIC DEMANDS WITHDRAWAL OF OCCUPATION FORCES

Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly, supposedly in Iraq to negotiate the release of hostage Douglas Wood, has dropped all pretense of neutrality:

The spokesman says the Sheikh has demanded an end to what he calls the occupation in Iraq and for the release of all female Iraqi prisoners.

The spokesman quotes Sheikh Al Hilaly as saying the withdrawal of troops is necessary for Mr Wood's release.

So far, all Hilaly has accomplished is to draw attention to himself, which was the point all along. What a maggot.