Shiites rally against U.S. presence in Baghdad

About 300 busloads of followers have marched in support of an anti-American Shiite cleric in Baghdad.

The rally was held after Iraqi leaders debated whether to ask U.S. troops to stay on in the country. Washington has been pressuring the Iraqi government for a quick decision on the 46-thousand soldiers currently in Iraq. They want to extend their stay beyond a December 31st departure deadline to ensure security.

U.S., Israeli and UK flags were painted on the Baghdad neighborhood's roads for marchers to show defiance.

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