RENAY AN MIGUEL, CNN ANCHOR: Amid the angry attacks Iraqi on U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq, there is new action in the city of Karbala. That's where a critical religious gathering could help determine the future direction of the country. We go now live to Karbala and CNN's Jane Arraf -- Jane.</s>JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Renay, an extraordinary scene, an extraordinary announcement just a while ago. Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, who is the main Shia leader in Baghdad, certainly, and some other parts of Iraq, read out his declarations and it said, as of now, he is declaring for Iraqi Shias, an independent state. Now, as a spokesman read out the list of ministry that would be involved in this state, the ministry of defense, the foreign ministry, people cheered and shouted Allahu Akbar, signifying their support. Now, a lot of people are here simply because it's a major holiday. But, it's extraordinary, this scene. It would never have been allowed under Saddam, this show of strength, these numbers of people, and they're here in one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. Just behind us, that golden topped mosque covers the tomb of Hussein, grandson -- the martyred grandson of the prophet. People have been walking here for days. As we drove by this morning there were people who where running towards Karbala. They were walking, and now some are dancing in the streets. Again, an immense, an incredible, and unprecedented in Saddam's time, show of Power and strength, here on this celebration, this birthday of the 12th Imam -- Renay.</s>SAN MIGUEL: Jane Arraf reporting from a very loud and, what sounds like a very busy, Karbala, Iraq. Thank you very much. USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com Iraq>
Religious Gathering In Karbala May Determine Future In Iraq