[Steve Eisenberg]

Good article. What is doesn't get into is that the left has been getting up a campaign to install Chalabi into its cabinet of villains, almost in the same category with Ashcroft and Wolfowitz. If Chalabi ever becomes Iraq's freely elected prime minister, they'll be saying that Gult War II resulted in Iraq becoming a US puppet state. Proof: Just look at this news story. If the Israelis like him, he's got to be a war criminal!

Of course, there is a whole back story concerning allegations that Chalabi looted Jordan's Petra Bank. Chalabi says that the Jordanians wanted him to use bank money to fund the INC, then got cold feet when Saddam threatened retaliation on Jordan.

This anti-Chalabi thing sounds silly -- even if Chalabi kept some of the looted money for himself, which I doubt, the Iraqi people have a right to vote for the lesser evil just like we do. Hopefully will considered who hates Chalabi and why before we consider dumping him.

[Support Free Republic]

Attention!

Our troops give so much of themselves, and we all benefit from their efforts.

The next time you look at your bank balance, why not find some way to take some money and put it towards supporting the members of our armed services in some way? Maybe find a family who has someone serving, and buy them dinner, or some groceries, or a gift for their children? Maybe find a way to contribute to a fund for the memory of any of those who have fallen? Our armed forces deserve our support in tangible ways.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[shhrubbery!]

Richard Bey, one of the few liberals left on WABC radio, was recently smearing Chalabi's name all over the map.

But hallelujah, Richard Bey has been replaced with the fantastic conservative babe, Monica Crowley.

(I doubt this has anything to do with Bey's vicious repetition of slanders against Chalabi -- most likely it was due to poor ratings.)

[a_Turk]

Minor wrinkle: Chalabi is wanted in Jordan for defrauding and embezzlement of funds at a bank he once owned. I think he was sentenced to something like 20 years, but had already escaped..

Was it Napoleon, I think, had once said: To be a great leader one has to be petty and righteous? Petty to gain power, and righteous to retain it. I think that's how it went..

[thegreatbeast]

It's unfortunate but we will be in Iraq for awhile. Chalabi will be given plenty of opportunity to prove himself and show how well he works with others. But my early impression is that he is tainted. This piece from the JP reads like apress release.
After our experience in Iran, the US must take the greatest pains to birth a government in Iraq that offers a real lasting democracy to the Iraqi people. We must do it as quickly as possible but doing it well is more important than doing it quickly.
As Reagan was fond of saying, "Trust, but verify." Or something to that effect.