Posted on 05/16/2004 2:32:01 PM PDT by toolbreaker
Iraqi General Urges Support of U.S. Troops
May 16, 2:54 PM (ET)
By KATARINA KRATOVAC
FALLUJAH, Iraq (AP) - A former Saddam Hussein-era general appointed by the Americans to lead an Iraqi security force in the rebellious Sunni stronghold of Fallujah urged tribal elders and sheiks Sunday to support U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq.
Retired Maj. Gen. Mohammed Abdul-Latif rose to prominence after nearly monthlong battles last month between the Marines monthlong battles in April between the Marines and insurgents hunkered down in Fallujah's neighborhoods.
"We can make them (Americans) use their rifles against us or we can make them build our country, it's your choice," Latif told a gathering of more than 40 sheiks, city council members and imams in an eastern Fallujah suburb.
The siege of this city of 200,000 people, located about 40 miles west of Baghdad, was lifted when top Marine officers announced the creation of the Fallujah Brigade - a force made exclusively of former Iraqi army officers.
The Marines withdrew from Fallujah into the rural hinterland and far-flung suburbs, allowing the Iraqi force to take up positions and start patrols inside the city. The brigade is expected to number about 1,500 men, many of them conscripts or noncommissioned officers under Saddam.
They are expected to fight the guerrillas, although some of the same insurgents who fought the Marines last month will likely join the brigade.
On Sunday, Marines of the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment provided security for the gathering in Kharma.
Latif, 66, a native of Baghdad, urged the elders to talk freely, citing the Muslim holy book, the Quran.
"The Quran says we should sit together, discuss and make a decision, but let it be the right decision," the silver-haired Latif - a slim figure wearing a blue shirt and dark blue tie and pants - told the sheiks.
The venue offered a rare insight into Latif's interactions and influence over Fallujah elders. As he spoke, many sheiks nodded in approval and listened with reverence to his words. Later, they clasped his hands and patted Latif on the back.
Latif, speaking in Arabic to the sheiks, defended the Marines and the U.S. occupation of Iraq.
"They were brought here by the acts of one coward who was hunted out of a rathole - Saddam - who disgraced us all," Latif said. "Let us tell our children that these men (U.S. troops) came here to protect us.
"As President Bush said, they did not come here to occupy our land but to get rid of Saddam. We can help them leave by helping them do their job, or we can make them stay ten years and more by keeping fighting."
Lt. Col. Brennan Byrne, the Marine battalion commander, said, "No truer words have been spoken here today than those by General Latif."
Latif also told the insurgents to "stop doing stupid things."
"Those bullets that are fired will not get the Americans out, let them finish their job here so that they can return to their country," Latif said.
"Our country is precious, stop allowing the bad guys to come from outside Iraq to destroy our country."
Latif, a former military intelligence officer said to have been imprisoned by Saddam and exiled, praised the former Iraqi army.
"The army used to be honest until Saddam made the men turn into beasts, take bribes, betray their own country," he said. "The real army is the army that works hard to serve its own citizens, with courage and strength."
After the meeting, Latif told The Associated Press that the situation in Fallujah has greatly improved, that "winds of peace" prevail in the city and the people that fled the fighting have returned. He would not elaborate on the size or current activities of the Fallujah Brigade.
"Let us speak about peace," Latif said in English. "Fallujah was an open wound, now it's healing."
I like how this general talks, and that he seems, (Unlike most of the people we have tried to put forth as leaders there), he actually seems to command some respect among the Iraqis themselves. We have been looking for just such a leader for a long time. The fact that he was imprisoned by Saddam doubles my respect for him.
He speaks like a General and a Leader and someone who obviously commands the respect of both his men and the people in general.
Blurry eyed thank you for the post.
I agree, I think he's on the wagon. Increasingly, bringing him into Fallujah looks like a brilliant move . . . so far.
If we don't teach the Iraqis they must govern , police themselves..create a safe environment for themselves,they won't ever be free. We had a mission..to oust Saddam,set up an interim government and let them understand the freedom and compromise in representative government...with civil rights! It is a small step.
What's this about the House of Saud wrapping uploose cannons? I haven't heard it and would like to know more. Thanks!
The GENERAL is using his HEAD, he is being LOGICAL. Dims use their FEELINGS, they base decisions on EMOTIONS.
Everytime I look at the famous picture of our marines planting OUR FLAG on Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima I think of how far we have sunk into the dregs of PC, when on April 9, 2003 our MILITARY TAKES BAGHDAD and we no sooner did our guys RAISE OUR FLAG then the State Dept. idiots and the PC crowd went apoplectic and within minutes DOWN CAME OUR FLAG. We live in rediculously stupid times!!!
The House of Saud has been walking a fine line to retain their priviledged lives: trying to keep the extremists happy and the majority of the population that want to lead decedent semi-western lifestyles.
About the time we went into Iraq 20 some of the Saud princes met untimely ends in a one week span; these had been the more extreme members of the family. Since then there are been a relatively quiet struggle going on in Saudi Arabia between the two factions. BUT...it's being done in Saud fashion: as privately as possible.
I hope to God you are right. Is it just me, or is it true that IED attacks have slowed in the last couple of weeks?
He's letting the tribal leaders know this and making them understand that in a fight they will lose but if they cooperate we go home.
It's what we've been telling them but they didn't believe it until one of their own verified it.
Sounds like a rare rational, intelligent, and reasonable voice from the Iraqi side. Very likely to be targeted for elimination by the "Freedom Fighters."
He is getting it.
Of course. And that's the same plan that the Demonrats refer to as the failed Bush plan in Iraq.
The plan
I hope you won't mind if I don't hold my breath while waiting for the "plans" results?
Just thought it might be of some interest..No opinion here on how it will go..but hope always!
This is also the party of Teddy Kennedy and Robert KKK Byrd. I really don't put a lot of stock into what they think or say. I want to remain optimistic because we have over 130,000 troops over there and they don't need to constantly hear negative things coming from the very people who are suppose to be supporting their efforts.
Spain bombing redux?
Seems to me the terrorists are killing Iraqis and making a mess so that Kerry will pass.
Yep, he gets it alright! Now let's just pray for peace so that our soldiers can come home!
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