Shiites challenge US authority in Iraq

It was the first time in years Iraq's majority community could conduct the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala, as public demonstrations of the Shiite faith were banned under the regime of Saddam Hussein, a Sunni toppled by US-led troops six months ago.

But while Shiites welcomed the dictator's fall, they have become increasingly vocal in denouncing the US-led occupation of their country and in criticizing the US-installed interim Governing Council.

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In a strong challenge to the cabinet appointed by the 25-member council, firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr has announced the formation of a rival government that includes a ministry of religious affairs and another responsible for the "promotion of virtue and prevention of vice."

The young cleric, who made the announcement during a sermon at Friday prayers, gave only few details, but one of his spokesmen told AFP Sunday the "alternative cabinet" would be led by Muslims but open to all.