Posted on 02/12/2005 12:45:27 AM PST by HAL9000
BASRA, Iraq, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Masked gunmen assassinated a senior judge in the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Saturday, a Reuters witness and doctors said.Video footage showed the body of the judge, Taha al-Amiri, lying in a hospital mortuary following the attack. Witnesses said his vehicle was stopped by four masked gunmen as he drove through the centre of Basra, Iraq's second largest city, in the far south of the country.
Two of the gunmen got out and opened fire, killing the judge instantly. His driver was wounded in the attack.
It is the second assassination in Basra this week.
A correspondent from al-Hurra television, a U.S.-funded Iraqi TV network, was shot dead by gunmen as he left his house with his son, who was also killed.
Gunmen have repeatedly targeted justice officials in Iraq over the past year, with several judges and employees of the justice ministry killed or wounded in drive-by shootings and assassinations.
Iraq's criminal justice system is struggling to get back on its feet following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Many judges who served during his rule have returned to their posts, while new judges have also been appointed.
I thought the Brits had that place well in hand.
They've been quietly sniping at US tactics in Baghdad, and pointing fingers at Busra.
Admittedly, its just a Canal swim from Iran, but to now, it has seemed much quieter there.
Basra's had its moments. While not as volatile as Baghdad and al-Anbar provinces, or Mosul of late, things have flared up in Basra from time to time over the past year.
Last spring, it was quite noisy there for a while. I have a friend posted there who kept giving me updates.
Baghdad even gets quiet spells....they just don't last very long.
Well, it seems at least some of the neighbors might have guns. . .but perhaps they remain unarmed; but they could at least identify these people. . .but then; who does one trust to tell. . .I guess you could find yourself 'dead, in your bed' if one is not absolutely sure of the 'who's' loyalities.
I do think as well; that these Iraquis are not totally confident re our support or even the eventual outcome of their fight for Democracy. This 'doubt' I think, stems from our own 'Left/wing here at home; and around the world. . .who work tirelessly to undermine and denigrate the efforts of our Military and our allies.
Their efforts; despite the assertions to the contrary; do hurt . . .and slow. . .and derail. . .and undermine all efforts to the 'good' of and for Iraq.
THAT said. . .I still want these folks to 'stand up and bear witness' to these infiltrators and terrorists. May be too much to ask; at this point of the war effort. . .to expect an overwhelming response.
First the vote. . .and maybe next. . .the terrorists insurgents.
But as long as Ted Kennedy and his ilk. . .garner national attention with every complaining burp against Democracy in Iraq. . .and what it takes; the goal post for winning. . .moves a little further away.
These Leftists fools are costing us lives and time; whether they acknowledge it or not.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.