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Iraq
Moqtada to cooperate: the Americans are guests and peace lovers
2003-11-03
What? Somebody gave him some money?
The Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr had considered "Saddam Hussein and his followers as the enemy of Iraq, rather than the Americans," whom he described as "guests" in Iraq.
We're "guests." We just had to fight our way in the front door...
In a statement circulated in Najaf city and the Iraqi daily published excerpts of its yesterday, al-Sadr said that Americans are "peace loving people" and the existence of the American forces in Iraq are "that of guests," calling for that the "holy month of Ramadan will be 'the month of meeting of Iraqis and Americans in circles of peace and amity'."
Maybe he's back on his meds?
Al-Sadr stressed the need of preventing "bloodshed and wars and terrorism so as to have tolerance and amity among peoples." He called on the Americans to open the way for attending their councils and seminars, camps and churches.
Or could it be that he's smart enough to realize that we're reaching the point where we're going to stop screwing around with him?
The American forces had recently detained several associates for Moqtada al-Sadr and prevented worshippers from heading to certain Shiite mosques. Recently al-Sadr sought to form what he called "al-Mahdi army and a shadow government."

FOLLOWUP: MEMRI corroborates...
IN A SURPRISING STATEMENT, IRAQI SHI'A LEADER MUQTADA AL-SADR SAID THAT SADDAM AND HIS FOLLOWERS ARE THE REAL ENEMIES OF IRAQ, NOT THE AMERICANS. HE SAID THE AMERICAN SOLDIERS ARE GUESTS AND THAT AMERICANS ARE A PEACE-LOVING PEOPLE. (AL-ZAMAN, IRAQ, 11/2/03)
Posted by:Fred Pruitt

#6  more taquiyya for the kufr--don't believe it--a strategic hudna if i ever saw one
Posted by: Anonymous   2003-11-4 3:09:37 AM  

#5  It was probably explained to him (slowly, using small words and hand gestures) exactly how little it would bother the major Shia players if he was to have an accident.
Posted by: mojo   2003-11-3 11:27:31 PM  

#4  could be that dancing laser-like spot on his forehead and chest all day caused him to change his worldview....thank God for solar flareups

;-)
Posted by: Frank G   2003-11-3 10:59:27 PM  

#3  Sounds to me like someone had a nice long chat with Mr Al-Sadr and explained, among other things, cause-and-effect, and tolerences, and what the fark happens when someone crossing over the line to him.
Posted by: CrazyFool   2003-11-3 10:38:20 PM  

#2  rule of law is one thing, politics another. ("shuffle the cards and look for the joker")Sadr is a player - he seems to realize that he made his move and lost, and that its now in his interest to go along, and that, with our hands full, its in our interest to leave him alone as long as he goes along. "he who fights and runs away ...."

a positive development nonetheless - better to have a sensible Sadr ont he sidelines, while we focus on the Baathi and the Al qaeda.
Posted by: liberalhawk   2003-11-3 9:47:51 PM  

#1  Well, well, boy wonder has figured out that he's in deep shit. How about hanging for Murder One, bubba? Rule of Law doesn't work like tribal society, son, kissing ass now won't get you off the hook for what you've done. I hope you swing, Qomboy.
Posted by: .com   2003-11-3 9:42:32 PM  

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