[moonman]

Can the Baath party be trusted or is it anyone’s guess at this point?

[Califelephant]

We’ll see. Trust but verify.

[tcrlaf]

I think they have been beaten so badly that they realize they are on the wrong side of history at this point.

They may hate US, but they are IRAQI’S first, and have GOT to see the slaughter looming if we fail...

[rineaux]

According to the Washington Post, we have been paying some of these guys to join forces with the US and Iraq Government. Some are tribe leaders who may have fought against coalition forces. Hopefully this does not bite us in the azz.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/03/AR2007080302322_pf.html

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

They most likely cannot be trusted, but, it appears that they hate al Qaeda more than they hate the USA. They can see that we will be eventually leaving. Resolving their differences with the Kurds, Shiites and moderate Sunnis may not be easy, but many former NAZIs in Germany turned into reliable citizens. Of course some like al Douri may never be redeemable.

[Elsiejay]

Trust, but cut the cards.

R. Reagan

I doubt that every member of the Baath Party was a rabid Saddamist. I say take a chance; grant them an opportunity to redeem their past, but endow them with trust slowly and with caution.

[curiosity]

Can the Baath party be trusted or is it anyone’s guess at this point?

No one in Iraq can be trusted.

Alliances there aren't based on trust, but on mutual self interest.

[Prokopton]

Can the Baath party be trusted or is it anyone’s guess at this point?

No one who believes in the Koran can be trusted.

[EQAndyBuzz]

IMHO the Baathists from Syria are probably negotiating with the Iranians on partitioning Iraq. Since the RATS are going to try and go in this direction, it makes sense.