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| Iraq |
| Iraqis concerned about possible US withdrawal |
| 2007-05-23 |
| The majority of Iraqis were once in favour of American troops withdrawing, but the situation now seems to be changing with residents in Baghdad growing concerned about the aftermath of a possible US withdrawal in September. Saleh Ahmad, who works at a carpentry shop in Baghdad, told Gulf News, "I was waiting eagerly for American forces to withdraw, but now my neighbours and I are growing increasingly concerned about this matter. We can imagine an excess in blood and corpses in the streets if they pull back the forces." Many Iraqis believe that seeing the American occupation change from a curse to a blessing, is in order to convince Iraq to retain permanent American military bases as an alternative solution to an early withdrawal. Faten Ali, a secondary schoolteacher, told Gulf News, "In light of sectarian tensions and the frailty of the Iraqi government as seen in political and security situations, I believe Baghdad will be a scene of fighting, kidnapping, looting and revenge between criminal gangs." What Iraqis need is a provisional and effective military force to prevent internal fighting, especially in light of weaknesses seen in the Iraqi forces. In the mixed Shiite and Sunni neighbourhood of Al Bai'aa, the eruption of internal clashes between gunmen from the two sects has made it necessary for Iraqi and American troops to be present in the area. Abi Thamir who lives in the neighbourhood said, "We have lived through a frightening sectarian situation over the past days to the extent that we were pleading with the Americans to rescue the neighbourhood. The Americans did not ask the Sunni and Shiite extremists to fight one another. The defect is from us and there is no need to blame others for what is taking place here," he added. Many Iraqi families have decided to leave Baghdad in the coming months, if the Americans confirm that they will start withdrawing early from the country. The Iraqi Ministry of Immigration issued a report recently that indicated the Iraqi exodus has increased by 35 per cent in the previous weeks. The report pointed out that this percentage could rise to 100 per cent. |
| Posted by:Pappy |
| #4 It actually is in our favor right now that the Iraqis become very afraid of what will happen if we withdraw. I have suggested that our long term goal should be to create a Status of Forces agreement with them for several large military bases, much like we had with Germany. Half a dozen of our top strategic interests are immensely helped by our staying in Iraq. They include: 1) Protecting the world oil supply. 2) Countering Iranian and other ME aggression and nuclear proliferation, while spreading democracy in the region. Helping to safeguard Israel. 3) Forward deployment of forces for operations throughout the Middle East, northern and eastern Africa, and Central Asia, as well as the Indian Ocean. Including ABM operations. 4) Countering Chinese operations. 5) Partnering with several important new allies such as Iraq, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc. 6) Pursuing the WoT. For all of these, having bases in Iraq puts us in the cat-bird's seat, like having the equivalent of three supercarriers on permanent station there. We would be foolish indeed to give up such an amazing strategic opportunity. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2007-05-23 08:48 |
| #3 "I was waiting eagerly for American forces to withdraw, but now my neighbours and I are growing increasingly concerned about this matter. We can imagine an excess in blood and corpses in the streets if they pull back the forces." "The defect is from us and there is no need to blame others for what is taking place here," he added. A bit late aren't you guys |
| Posted by: Glusomble Oppressor of the Welsh9195 2007-05-23 00:54 |
| #2 "...if the Americans confirm that they will start withdrawing early from the country. The Iraqi Ministry of Immigration issued a report recently that indicated the Iraqi exodus has increased by 35 per cent in the previous weeks. The report pointed out that this percentage could rise to 100 per cent." Good. Then we can nuke the place... |
| Posted by: Caesar Angavimp6523 2007-05-23 00:46 |
| #1 Well, get control of YOUR country. Secure the town, Secure the neighborhood, and secure your government so they can build back up. |
| Posted by: newc 2007-05-23 00:22 |