© 2026 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Our daily newsletter, delivered first thing weekdays, keeps you connected to your community with news, culture, national NPR headlines, and more.

Shiites Push for Militias, Citing Bomb Deaths

Shiite Muslims take steps to ensure their safety as the Ashoura celebration draws to a close. Iraqis establish checkpoints to protect the Kadhimiya mosque, site of one of several bomb attacks Tuesday that left hundreds of Shiite pilgrims dead or wounded. Criticizing U.S. security efforts, Shiites renew calls for an armed militia. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Ivan Watson.

Copyright 2004 NPR

Ivan Watson
Ivan Watson is currently based in Istanbul, Turkey. Following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, he has served as one of NPR's foreign "firemen," shuttling to and from hotspots around the Middle East and Central Asia.
Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.
Thanks to you, WUSF is here — delivering fact-based news and stories that reflect our community.⁠ Your support powers everything we do.