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2003-04-28 Iraq

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Posted by Steve 2003-04-28 09:28 am|| || Front Page|| [3 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 over the line - yup.

Perhaps also to balance the Islamist (fadlil?) we chased out of Kut the other day - cant look like its only Islamists we chase out. Perhaps also we're closer to putting a more desirable Iraqi admin in Baghdad now - big meeting with Garner and Iraqi pols there today.

Related - NYT reported over the weekend, 65% of Baghdad has power, half has running water.

As living conditions improve, may give us more political traction.

Posted by liberalhawk 2003-04-28 09:44:34|| 2003-04-28 09:44:34|| Front Page Top

#2 btw - reports indicate SCIRI will be sending low level people to the Baghdad conference - breaking their boycott of the US-sponsored political process.

One presumes this relates both to events on the ground that give US increasing leverage (utility improvements, security improvements, etc) and to directives from Iran - which may be losing leverage as it sees its own domestic weakness, and sees its AoW supporters in growing disarray.

Posted by liberalhawk 2003-04-28 10:04:28|| 2003-04-28 10:04:28|| Front Page Top

#3 Iraqis at Baghdad conderence divided on US role.

Reuters pool correspondent, via Centcom

"There are clear differences among Iraqis on what role the United States should play, delegates say.

Some (mostly non-exiiles) want the Americans to have a direct role in the interim period to prepare for elections, because they don't trust each other.

Others (mainly exiles) say only Iraqis should rule Iraq and the US should have less influence in the interim period.

Mustapha Qazwin, who lives in the United States, a sheikh and a doctor, said: "We are having healthy discussions between people inside Iraq and who were outside Iraq. This is a democratic process and we are still debating the best route forward.""

Suheil al-Suheil, a Baghdad lawyer, said: "There are differences over the role of the Americans. We here prefer the Americans to rule us in the interim period."

Asked why, he said: "We are not ready to handle this yet. Saddam's orphans are still alive."

Posted by liberalhawk 2003-04-28 11:18:44|| 2003-04-28 11:18:44|| Front Page Top

#4 Update: A senior U.S. military commander said on Monday there was no question of releasing Mohammed Mohsen Zubaidi, the self-proclaimed Baghdad mayor arrested on Sunday for exercising authority he did not have. "He's not going to be released. He's a criminal," Maj. Gen. Buford Blount, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, told Reuters in the Iraqi capital. "He's broken multiple laws, from theft to intimidation," Blount said, giving no details of any charges. "Right now he's in a holding center and his movements will be decided in the next few days," the general added.
Sounds like Mohammed is going to be wearing a orange jumpsuit real soon.

Posted by Steve 2003-04-28 15:29:09|| 2003-04-28 15:29:09|| Front Page Top

#5 That's Democracy at work.2 opposeing sides come together and hpefully reach and aggrement some where in the middle.

Posted by raptor 2003-04-29 10:39:46|| 2003-04-29 10:39:46|| Front Page Top

#6 That's Democracy at work.2 opposeing sides come together and hpefully reach and aggrement some where in the middle.

Posted by raptor 2003-04-29 10:40:01|| 2003-04-29 10:40:01|| Front Page Top

10:40 raptor
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