Jerusalem Army

Jerusalem Army, also known as Al Quds Army, (جيش القدس), was an volunteer force created in 17 February 2001 by the Iraqi government to assist the Palestinians to "liberate" Palestine and Jerusalem from Israel. The idea came following the eruption of the Palestinian uprising in late September 2000. Both men and women could join the Jerusalem Army. The Iraqi government showcased the army at public marches and other propaganda events and claimed it had up to 7 million members. U.S. experts say its strength is greatly exaggerated by the Iraqis. But they also believe that at least some al Quds members – who hail largely from Sunni areas in central Iraq – have been given rifles, mortars, and light automatic weapons. Saddam Hussein had asked that one of the four countries bordering Israel – Egypt, Jordan, Syria or Lebanon – provide him with territory from which he can launch attacks against Israel. Experts said it was intended to be a mass volunteer force, with female as well as male units.