Celebrations Erupt Across Arab World after US Chopper Crash

Associated Press ^ | November 2, 2003 | nwrep

[nwrep]

Cairo, Egypt-AP -- There are celebrations reported across the Arab world, after the news of more American casualties in Iraq.

Resistance to the occupation is applauded by some who see it as proof that Iraqis weren't totally humiliated by the relative ease of the U-S-led coalition's toppling of Saddam Hussein.

Many Arabs had warned an invasion of Iraq could drag the region into chaos. In Damascus today, foreign ministers from countries bordering Iraq again called on the U-S to restore order in that country.

[StarCMC]

Theoretically, probably. But it would sure feel darn good.

[Redwood71]

True, but these sources, large or abundant enough to make a difference in our needs, are years away. The current source, fossil fuels, are the problem because the middle east is trying "squeeze" the US with oil prices and lack of production. If we were independant of them, it would be less costly and could free up money for other things like alternate sources. Besides, don't we have enough jobless people here that could use training and a job that could be supplied by putting more money into the hands of the employers and not on he hands of the government with too many gas taxes on higher prices?

[Mudboy Slim]

"I'm sure the state dining room would be filled with grand applause and cheers, joining the grand celebration!"

Why the bitterness towards OUR side? Towards whom--exactly--is yer obvious hatred directed?

MUD

[StarCMC]

Makes me mad -- I won'der if that's what FOX is trying to accomplish?

[StarCMC]

I am so sad for all...was posting with mystery ak waiting on news of her Chinook flying husband.I think we were counting on each others for the prayers. (Mike is safe,in Kuwait, but instead of a happy family reunion for his Rand R,he will be comforting the family of his dead crew mate)

She must be who I prayed for in church this morning. I got the news in my Sunday school class. Our pastor led a prayer in the service and he prayed specifically for the loved ones of these 15 soldiers. I prayed silently. Dear God, please hug these families for me!

[Old Student]

I'm hoping they are waiting for the few good guys left in the place to leave, before they bomb it to rubble.

[MEG33]

The news got worse.He lost another crewmate and another has terrible injuries.Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.May God's love envelope all who mourn.

[StarCMC]

Any wreckage of American vehicles, ground or air, needs to be obliterated by an airstrike while the Muslim savages are still dancing around it. We can call it "Liquidating our Assets".

Good plan. Anyone know how to get ahold of Rumsfeld and talk him into it?

[StarCMC]

The Kobe's and Scott's of the world get more coverage than our heroes in the military do.

You got that right. We Tivo H&C. I watch about 10 minutes a night on average. I could not care less about those "endless parades of Human debris" (Peterson et. al.) but I do like to catch the occasional military hero. Love to see Ollie North, etc. Saw Shoshona (sp?) Johnson on Tonight show -- she is one tough chick! I loved her! She was on w/Dennis Miller so it was a banner show. I'll watch anything to get a glimpse of the TRUE HEROES! Who gives a crap about Kobe. He's be nothing without a basketball. (Sorry - not an NBA fan!)

[StarCMC]

Thank you, Defender2, for serving our country so that slobs like me can live in peace. You are a TRUE AMERICAN HERO!

[oldtimer]

Great reply. Islam is the so called "religion" of satan.

When they get strong enough they start killing "infidels", as they have done everywhere when they have gotten strong enough.

This latest loss, the Chinook and 16 good American soldiers lost ought to be a wake up call for GWB, to turn troublesome villages into glass. It is time.

The leftist dwarves are going to be really gnawing at his poll numbers unless he takes turns them loose - really loose.

The only thing these ragheads know is to cut their clintons off.

[StarCMC]

They are in my prayers tonight. I did cry for them in church during that prayer. I could NOT stop it. Those dear sweet families -- God comfort them. HE's the only One who can.

[TexKat]

Foreign minister of Iran, Kamal Kharazzi, right, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa, center, and Saudi Prince Saud al-Faisal, shortly before joining on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003 the final session of a two-day meeting in Damascus of foreign minsters of Iraq's neighbors that aimed at discussing the impact of the U.S.-led war on neighboring countries. (AP Photo Bassem Tella

Iraq's Neighbors Call for Border Control

By SAM F. GHATTAS, Associated Press Writer

DAMASCUS, Syria - Arab, Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers condemned terrorist bombings in Iraq and called on Iraqi officials to cooperate on border control Sunday after talks on the Iraqi crisis — which Baghdad's interim authority boycotted.

But the foreign ministers of Iraq's neighbors — including Syria and Iran — did not directly address U.S. and Iraqi calls for greater action to stop fighters crossing their countries' borders into Iraq.

L. Paul Bremer, the top U.S. administrator in Iraq, said Sunday that those fighters were taking part in deadly and escalating attacks on U.S. forces.

"What we need in the case of the Syrian border is much better cooperation from the Syrian government in stopping these people on their side," he told CNN. The same message, he added, applies to Iran.

Also participating in the two days of talks in Damascus were the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan — all bordering Iraq — and politically influential Egypt. The nations, including both opponents and supporters of the U.S.-led war, have been concerned about the far-reaching regional consequences of the U.S. occupation and a pro-American government in Baghdad.

The ministers expressed support for Baghdad's U.S.-appointed interim administration, welcoming the body to join in future talks.

The next meeting was set for Kuwait, but no date was given. Iraq's U.S.-appointed Government Council snubbed the meeting, apparently offended by two last-minute invitations that Iraq's foreign minister called "vague."

In refusing the invitations — made only the night before the talks began — Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari also said the Governing Council would reject any decisions taken by the meeting.

The council had wanted to use the Damascus meeting to demand an end to cross-border infiltration and to urge neighbors to provide information on former Saddam Hussein loyalists who may be hiding in their countries.

Iraq shares a long border of desert terrain, mountains and rivers with Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait and Iran.

The meeting came amid continued violence in Iraq, where insurgents downed a U.S. transport helicopter Sunday with a missile strike, killing 15 soldiers and wounding 21 in the bloodiest single attack on American forces since the start of war.

In the ministers' final communique, read to journalists by Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa, made no direct reference to cross-border infiltration.

Instead, the ministers expressed concern about the presence of terrorist groups in Iraq and the possibility that they might cross into their own countries. They also condemned terror attacks in Iraq aimed at civilians, humanitarian and religious institutions, international organizations and diplomatic missions.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi acknowledged cross-border infiltration into Iraq and said Iraq's neighbors wanted to promote security there and control their own borders. But the ministers rejected "any accusations against their countries of interfering in the internal affairs of Iraq."

The United States has accused Iran, particularly, of meddling in Iraq's internal affairs. Kharrazi told Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency that such claims are made "by those who were trying to justify their failures in Iraq."

The communique urged U.S.-led occupation forces to restore security and stability to the country in accordance with their responsibilities under U.N. Security Council resolutions and international law.

But there was no reference in the final communique to the issue of military participation by Iraq's neighbors in a stabilization force, which many Iraqis oppose.

Turkey has offered to send 10,000 troops to Iraq, but deployment is increasingly uncertain amid strong opposition by many Iraqis and some neighboring countries.

The ministers stressed the need to preserve Iraq's sovereignty and independence. They also called for strengthening the United Nations' role, particularly in drafting a new Iraqi constitution, holding elections and drawing up a timetable to end the U.S.-led occupation.

[Defender2]

#290. You're Very Welcome, StarCMC and Very Best FReegards, Defender2 D2!!!!:-)

[livius]

They also called for strengthening the United Nations' role,

That same UN that's already high-tailed it out of there?

[TexKat]

This latest loss, the Chinook and 16 good American soldiers lost ought to be a wake up call for GWB, to turn troublesome villages into glass. It is time.

The leftist dwarves are going to be really gnawing at his poll numbers unless he takes turns them loose - really loose.

I heard early today on Fox News by someone close to GWB or someone in the know stated that GWB is steadfast about the war on terror and the situation in Iraq more so than the 2004 elections.

[DannyTN]

"we don't so much need a few bombs in syria as we need syria to believe we need a few bombs in syria. "

What better way to make them believe than to respond as if we need a few bonds in Syria and drop them.

[TexKat]

That same UN that's already high-tailed it out of there?

LMAO, yep that be the one.

[TexKat]

LA Times but a pretty good read:

Assassinations Surge in Iraq

[Frank_2001]

I agree, it is time for the gloves to come off!