Tens of thousands of Shiites Protest

Thousands of Iraqis Protest on Baghdad Anniversary

Tens of thousands of Shiites marked the anniversary of the fall of Baghdad with a protest against American troops at the same square where jubilant crowds toppled a statue of Saddam Hussein two years ago.

Held in the shadow of the Sheraton and Palestine hotels—home to foreign journalists and contractors—the protest reflected frustration both with the U.S. government, which is slowly handing security responsibilities to Iraqi forces, and anger toward the Sunni Arab-led insurgency.

"This huge gathering shows that the Iraqi people have the strength and faith to protect their country and liberate it from the occupiers," said protester Ahmed Abed, a 26-year-old who sells spare car parts.