Related Event: Iraq in Transition

Muslim cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr said the move to allow deployment of foreign troops is infringing Iraq's independence.

"The legitimization of occupation is fully rejected. And all the popular and honest forces in Iraq should intervene to preclude that."

Despite public protests from Iraq and increasing number of attacks against foreign troops, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the US-led multinational force in Iraq a week ago.

The clerics also criticized the desecration of the Quran that occurred in the US Guantanamo Bay detention center, saying "it is acknowledgement of paying no heed and respect to religions".