WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The attacks today on a number of targets in Baghdad, including the Sheraton Hotel demonstrate the continued need for U.S. involvement in Iraq, Ahrar Leader Ayad Jamal Aldin said.

On a visit to Washington, Mr. Aldin again appealed to the United States to reconsider its present position on its withdrawal plans.

Speaking on hearing the news, Mr. Aldin said, "This attack is a tragic indictment of the current government. They have had long enough to address the underlying corruption which enables these bombs to creep through to their targets and cause untold pain and destruction."

"The United States needs to help ensure the viability of a safe, secure, uncorrupt and secular democracy in Iraq in the lead up to the election and beyond. None of these goals are going to be met if the United States government continues its silent defense of the corrupt Iraqi government."

"The current Iraqi government has shown time and time again their inability to address the issues that concern all Iraqis. By walking away, the United States risks throwing 7 years of toil, blood and money away."

"Over the coming days I will be speaking to U.S. officials and opinion-formers to discuss these attacks in the context of the elections in March and the consequences of a hasty American withdrawal."

About Ayad Jamal Aldin

Ayad Jamal Aldin is a cleric, best known for his consistent campaigning for a new, secular Iraq. He first rose to prominence at the Nasiriyah conference in March 2003, shortly before the fall of Saddam, where he called for a state free of religion, the turban and other theological symbols. In 2005, he was elected as one of the 25 MPs on the Iraqi National List, but withdrew in 2009 after becoming disenchanted with Iyad Allawi's overtures to Iran. He wants complete independence from Iranian interference in Iraq. He now leads the Ahrar party for the 2010 election to the Council of Representatives.

About the Ahrar Party

Ahrar is a political movement for all Iraqis without distinction -- bringing people together to rebuild a unified Iraq.  Ahrar supporters have a common belief in Iraq's shared history and common destiny. Ahrar believes Iraq's best hope lies in the Iraqi people and not the politicians, who have failed through corruption and incompetence. Ayad Jamal Aldin and Ahrar believe in secularism and unity, regardless of religion. Ahrar was created in order to liberate Iraq's government from corruption; to liberate religion from the state; and to bring the Iraqi people together to liberate them from the tyranny of violence and poverty.

SOURCE Ahrar Party

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