With battle near, Iraqi Sunnis make offer ?

Washington Post ^ | Nov. 6, 2004 | Karl Vick

[Sameul Haque]

BAGHDAD, Iraq - As Marines step up preparations for military offensives on two major Iraqi cities, a number of Sunni Muslim leaders are forwarding a plan to establish the rule of law in those areas through peaceful means, with the promise of reducing the insurgency across a large swath of the country.

The bid is led by groups that have encouraged violent resistance in central, western and northern Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion 18 months ago. The groups say they'll withdraw their support for violence if Iraq's interim government can reassure Sunni leaders wary of national elections, which are scheduled for the end of January.

The Sunnis have proposed six measures, including a demand that U.S. forces remain confined to bases in the month before balloting. Such an ambitious demand, which some advocates acknowledge is not likely to be met and may be open to negotiation, represents a dramatic shift by Sunni groups opposed to the U.S. operation in Iraq...

[Sameul Haque]

I know the WP is awfully liberal, they seem to want a say in the election procedures. but what does everybody think... is this to little to late?

[Constantine XIII]

It might be why we've been winding up for this haymaker for so long.

What was that quote about clarity of thought and being executed within a fortnight? :)

[MNnice]

As we learned with Sadr, these people have no credibility. I say ignore the "offer."

[discipler]

Sounds like the same tactics used by Saddam H. Just as things start to get a little hot, they offer concessions. The United Nations would take the bait every time, but our soldiers cannot be played this way. I don't believe in that old "I'm going to count to three, then I'm going to..." The Sunni's had better clean house real quick or they are dead meat. They are in no position to be making demands.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

These bums are as stupid as the Palestinians.

[El Gran Salseron]

So, here we go again with this "peace offering." How many has that been now? Three? Four? Five?

Enough! Take out Fallujah, Sadr City and the rest and be done with it.

Don't take the bait again.

[TShaunK]

Get as many to possible to surrender.get info from them.Then unleash hell.

[Ben Chad]

Is this predictable or what?

[Humidston]

There seems to be only one message those savages understand.... TAKE THEM OUT WITH COLD DISREGARD. TEACH THEM NOT TO MESS WITH US!

Do a "Harry Truman" on them. Maybe then they'll get the message....

[CFC__VRWC]

but what does everybody think... is this to little to late?

What do I think?

1. The "insurgents" in Fallujah would like a bit more time to stockpile weapons, import a few more "fierce holy warriors" and dig in their defensive positions a little deeper.

2. Once the attack happens, they can point to this "offer" as further proof that the "evil cowboy Bush" wants to throw away diplomacy and do nothing but make war on "peace-loving Muslims."

Not only is it "too little too late", it's a sham and a propaganda point.

[Dog Gone]

Whether it's too little, too late, is up to the Iraqi interim government. The problem is that the resistance in Fallujah is not merely Saddam's Baathist dead-enders, but also foreign terrorists.

Even if you could make peace with the Baathists, you have to do something about the foreign fighters.

Probably the best thing to do is to forcefully take Fallujah and then reach an agreement with the defeated survivors.

[LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget]

Unconditional surrender or complete annihilation of the cities in perpetuity should be the only terms offered to Fallujah and Ramadi. Nothing more, nothing less.

[NY Attitude]

These people only respect and deserve a real a$$whooping. Enough of this this BS as far as waiting. We have been dancing to this two-step already.

[DCPatriot]

"Unconditional surrender or complete annihilation..."

The only response to consider.

[danamco]

with the promise of reducing the insurgency across a large swath of the country.


Reducing??? One or two???

[Polybius]

As Marines step up preparations for military offensives on two major Iraqi cities, a number of Sunni Muslim leaders are forwarding a plan to establish the rule of law in those areas through peaceful means, with the promise of reducing the insurgency across a large swath of the country.

Save that plan.

It will work even better once the jihadis in Fallujah have been killed.

[daylate-dollarshort]

"Unconditional surrender or complete annihilation of the cities..."

Time to utilize that big MF'n bomb we developed prior to 'shock and awe' or better yet, hit 'em with several of those Air/Fuel bombs. Let 'em experience- if only briefly- what they're going to!

[Tax Government]

This offer is literally being made "under the gun." The Sunnis will disregard it as soon as the threat has passed. We KNOW this by now.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

More news from the appeasement front: (San Francisco Chronicle 11/6)

Meanwhile, at the United Nations, Secretary-General Kofi Anan confirmed that he has formally expressed concern about the effects an invasion of Falluhah would have on stability in the country ahead of elections scheduled for January.

In letters dated Oct. 31 and addressed to President Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Allawi, Annan said that using military force against insurgents in the city would further alienate Sunni Muslims already feeling left out of a political process largely orchestrated by Washinton.

Are you concerned, or are you deeply concerned, Coffee Boy? But don't worry. Shortly after being alienated, they will be dead. End of problem.