Self-appointed mayor of Baghdad challenges Pentagon's authority (EXCUSE ME? ALERT)

The Scotsman ^ | April 21, 2003 | DAN MCDOUGALL

[Centurion2000]

Mohammed Mohsen al-Zubaidi, a leading Muslim cleric who returned to Iraq last week after almost 20 years of exile in Paris and Tehran, presented a direct challenge to US forces by announcing the establishment of an interim administration to govern the Iraqi capital.

Shoot him ... problem solved and future problems addressed as well.

[Congressman Billybob]

The easy way to deal with this gentleman is this: His HQ and all offices, buildings of his supporters, do not receive electricity, water, and supplies of any type. All aid and support for the citizens of Baghdad are handed out by US troops. In short order, to use an old Texas expresion, this "Mayor" will be shown up as "all hat and no cattle."

Some problems are just so easily to solve.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, not yet up on UPI, and FR, "Who's Next?"

Latest book(let), "to Restore Trust in America."

[Gatún(CraigIsaMangoTreeLawyer)]

Same bunch that voted for the Ayatollah Khomeni.

He needs to meet up with a permanent accident which can easily be arranged.

[Mr. Mulliner]

I don't worry too much that he's been in Tehran. It's the Paris connection that puts me off.

[FRgal4u]

geez...I don't know what is worst...it seems like it is a free for all power grab situation here...

better hope gwb and rummy not screwing the peace up...

[Gumption]

better hope gwb and rummy not screwing the peace up...

You should never end a remarkable grasp of the obvious with a preposition.

[toddst]

better hope gwb and rummy not screwing the peace up...

Pay careful attention: Who actually controls Iraq? Last time I looked it was American troops. This clown has no chance to pull off his little stunt of "claiming" he's in charge.

[Nick Danger]

Norton I, Emperor of the United States of America

Joshua Norton, or as he preferred to be called, Norton I, proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico in 1859. Althought a pauper, he was fed free in San Francisco's best restaurants.

Although a madman, he had all his state proclamations published in San Francisco's newspapers.

Norton I had his own private currency accepted throughout San Francisco.

July 16, 1860 – Decree from Norton I dissolved the United States of America.

October 1, 1860 – Decree from Norton I barred Congress from meeting in Washington, D.C.

January 21, 1867 – An overzealous Patrol Special Officer, Armand Barbier, arrested His Majesty Norton I for involuntary treatment of a mental disorder and thereby created a major civic uproar. Police Chief Patrick Crowley apologized to His Majesty and ordered him released. Several scathing newspaper editorials followed the arrest. All police officers began to salute His Majesty when he passed them on the street.

In 1869 he abolished both the Democratic and Republican parties

Died January 8, 1880. The funeral cortege was two miles long - Between 10,000 and 30,000 people were reported to have attended.

[plusone]

When the shiíte hits the fan...

[ffusco]

Solution worthy of Kissinger!

[Mr. Silverback]

Don't fall for it! It's Baghdad Bob in a Mohammed Mohsen al-Zubaidi mask!

[Zebra]

Mohammed Mohsen al-Zubaidi, a leading Muslim cleric who returned to Iraq last week after almost 20 years of exile in Paris and Tehran, presented a direct challenge to US forces by announcing the establishment of an interim administration to govern the Iraqi capital.

Sounds like he's bucking to make the deck of cards.

[Cacique]

We have a big problem over the horizon. Most muslim males will opt for a islamic society that keeps women in their place. There is no way around that. Turkey had Kemal Ataturk and went through a secular dictatorial period before democracy was established. Secularism in Iraq will have to come from the top. Although Sadam was a secular leader, Iraq as a society remained muslim and therein lies the problem.

We are going to see more of these jokers popping up all over the place.