The speeches delivered by imams at hundreds of mosques throughout the capital could provide the first crystallization of reaction among the Muslim clergy to the three-week war and occupation by US forces.

If Iraqis initially gave a cautious welcome to the US troops who took over Baghdad nine days ago, they have been increasingly critical of the failure to quickly restore order and basic services such as water and electricity.

Political jockeying is also intensifying with scores of parties elbowing for position, self-proclaimed governors and mayors floating through the landscape and US military officials keeping a tight lid on events.

Saddam's Iraq was a secular country but since his demise the majority Shiite Muslims have become a vocal force and were preparing for a long-suppressed celebration that could turn into a political convention.

Millions of Shiites were expected in the holy city of Karbala 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of here to celebrate the death of Hussein, grandson of the prophet Mohammed, in battle in the year 680 AD.

The celebration, which will culminate Tuesday, will also provide an opportunity for the Shiites to flex their new political muscle.

The head of the Supreme Assembly of Islamic Revolution in Iraq, the Iran-based Shiite group, has called for "a political regime guaranteeing liberty, independence and justice for all Iraqis under the reign of Islam."

Only a small group of the hardiest Iraqis turned out for Friday prayers last week, with looters and vandals roaming the streets two days after Saddam's rule collapsed under the pressure of a three-week US military offensive.

Since then, anger has grown on the streets of this city of five million people where power has been out for two weeks, most shops are still closed and hospitals are only beginning to reopen.

Adding to the unease is a yawning political vacuum here. Retired US general Jay Garner, the designated civil administrator for Iraq, has yet to make his presence felt in Baghdad; nor is there any clear US spokesman here.

Ahmad Chalabi, leader of the anti-Saddam Iraqi National Congress (INC), has kept a low profile. Two of his associates proclaimed themselves governor and mayor of Baghdad but their "elections" were denied by a US military spokesman.

The reconstruction effort has so far been piloted by the US marines, who are more geared to combat than civilian affairs. But military sources said the marines would be out of here by Tuesday.

"The order was issued to leave the city no later than April 22. Some are leaving today, others by the 19th, then next week it will become the army's show," said one US public affairs officer, who declined to be named.

A 30,000-strong task force from the Fourth Infantry Division is expected to flow into Iraq from Kuwait over the coming days to ensure security is re-established across the country.

This includes mopping up the remnants of Saddam Hussein's die-hard Fedayeen militia and suicide bombers, who have claimed the lives of eight US soldiers in three blasts since the war began on March 20.

The US army, which has already deployed its Third Infantry Division here, made its first appearance in a civil role Wednesday as a senior officer met with local leaders and police officials to discuss the security situation.

Unlike the marines, the army is traditionally responsible for civil affairs, including reconstruction of security, water and electricity.

SPACE.WIRE