Posted on 08/28/2006 3:38:17 PM PDT by jmc1969
Former Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi arrived in Beirut on Monday for a three-day visit in solidarity with Lebanon. "We came carrying our support and our aid to our brother country Lebanon," Allawi told reporters at Rafik Hariri International Airport upon his arrival.
He said the Iraqi government had donated $35 million to Lebanon as "Iraq's part in Lebanon's reconstruction."
Allawi, heading a delegation of Iraqi officials from different sects, arrived at the airport in a private jet and is scheduled to meet with various Lebanese officials during his visit.
"Lebanon as a country has had a great impact on the history of the region and today we are proud as Iraqis to stand by Lebanon as it goes through a monumental time in its history. We will assist it in any way we can," the former premier said.
"How the Lebanese upheld their unity and how they have regained their sovereignty and independence should be a lesson to all the countries in the region, especially Iraq," Allawi said after meeting with Siniora.
"Iraq is committed to Lebanon; to stand by it in good and bad times," he added.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailystar.com.lb ...
HOW the he$$ is HE able to donate anything??? Where is he getting the money????
My first reaction, but it's rhetorical. US tax dollars.
The article says the Iraqi government is donating the money and, yes, perhaps it should be going to us to repay us for all the money spent in liberating and rebuilding Iraq, BUT: Allawi is leading a delegation of Iraqi officials on what appears to be a state visit to the elected government (not the hezbos) of Lebanon. This is the type of act done by a sovereign nation, extending diplomacy and aid to a neighboring sovereign nation. The more Iraq starts acting like its own country, the more invested its people will become in it, and that's all the better for us. (I think I misspelled "sovereign." Sorry)
Pretty sure you are right.
not sure why anyone would expect iraqi govt to ignore its neighbors, given the amount of political leeway the US have given various groups in forming that government.
Iraq makes about 20 billion a month from oil.
what a bunch of airborne fecal particulates.
if they have soooo much bread, why are they not buying security from the US of A??????
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