Tension mounts as US pledges to build new Iraq

THE United States yesterday pledged to build a new Iraq from the ashes of war, but faced mounting challenges as ethnic tension simmered in the north and Shi’ite Muslims staged an anti-American protest in the capital.

Retired US general Jay Garner, heading the agency charged with rebuilding Iraq after the devastating war to oust Saddam Hussein, flew in to Baghdad and vowed to work flat-out to repair the damage.

As he toured a hospital and a power plant, about 2,000 Shi’ite Muslims staged an anti-American protest, accusing US troops of having arrested one of their leaders, Muhammad al-Fartusi. US military officials said they were not aware of the arrest but were checking further.