Posted on 01/23/2005 9:30:03 PM PST by churchillbuff
THE Shi’ite Muslim cleric tipped to become prime minister after next Sunday’s election in Iraq has said it will be the duty of the new government to demand the withdrawal of American forces “as soon as possible”. “No people in the world accepts occupation and nor do we accept the continuation of American troops in Iraq,” said Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Is he really the likely winner?
I thought Allawi was the front-runner?
Cool... Peace out, towelhead.
BUT.... DON'T make us COME BACK!
The exit polls have indicated that John Kerry will win in Iraq in a landside. And that Teresa will buy him a new bike.
Yes... its a popular position to demand the Americans leave. But the Iraqis know an immediate withdrawal would only lead to their being beheaded. So look for a new Iraqi government to negotiate a timetable for the U.S and its allies to eventually leave. All the same, its still a safe bet it won't happen for the forseeable future.
Isn't it likely that Iran is behind this?
Good analysis, I think.
Of course it is. Iran is at the root of every Shiite-dominated group yearning for an "Islamic Republic".
The big problem - is that Iran is overdue for another revolution. How long do you think a radical Shiite cleric can remain at the helm of a country like Iraq without BIGTIME backing from fellow Islamonazis?
It is inevitable that everyone with a vested interest in claiming so will cast this as a U.S. defeat. The Ba'athists will claim that they drove the U.S. out. The UN will grandly proclaim that we've been humiliated and will now see the error of our ways. Our own antiwar crowd will bend over backwards to shriek that they were right all along.
And you know what? It won't mean a damn thing. We will leave a democratic government behind and Saddam in the ash heap of history. What the Iraqis do with either one is up to them.
>Is he really the likely winner?
He's expected to be the winner.
>Isn't it likely that Iran is behind this?
LOL! No, Iran is NOT behind the Iraqi election.
This guy will probably change his tune when he realizes that he has little to defend against fascist jihadis.
"As soon as possible." Politicians are politicians.
Does it say shi'ite? That tells me that he IS a fascist jihadist. Defend against? lemme think...
Fine then, we will welcome our brave men and women home. I just hope the Iraqis choose their leader wisely.
If he wants to remain Prime Minister instead of ending up with his head on a pike at the hands of Islamofascists, he had better develop a military that can keep him and his Government in power.
Agreed.
First people have to understand that the author of this piece wishes to create a dismal picture, even so far as to interject personal editorial into the headline. It is meant to trigger our ire intentionally.
Second, they are in the midst of preparing for the first election. Political rhetoric is always heated. In the M.E. peoples are accustomed to being ruled by dictators. You can state we have no intention of remaining forever, but their personal experience is such that they are sceptical. This person is addressing strongly they will not subject themselves to oppression. It's quite a positive statement if we remove our egos for just a moment. It bodes well for the future.
Third, it is highly unlikely they will demand our removal immediately. They are not equipped to handle the security situation as of yet, so once the rhetoric of the campaign is over it is extremely likely relations will be civil as we work together to prepare them to govern independently.
The Iraqi's must project an image of strength and independence, this is key to their security absence our presence. We can withstand a few rhetorical hits if it leads to a society that values life over death. One thatextolls Liberty for it's peole granting them the freedom to voice the direction of their own future.
There's no reason for him to act like a Shi’ite-head.
I really don't have a problem bringing our folks home. Let them sort out their problems. I don't believe they'll be a threat anytime again in the near future anyway.
Our boys are dying over there for this whacked out bastard?
Tell me this guy isn't going to have any power.
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