Iraq Council discusses deal to end Shi'ite violence (by Not Prosecuting Al-Sadr!)

reuters ^ | 4/7/04 | Reuters

[VRWC_minion]

This is known as the Spanish option.

[EternalHope]

"Using more force against him will not work and the Americans know this. Many more will die and even more radical elements could emerge if he is killed," he said.

No, the Americans DON'T know this. In fact, we believe the exact opposite is true.

However, we also understand the need for CYA on the part of Iraqi politicians. They will need "cover" if we cut and run. (John Kerry, Teddy Kennedy, etc., add fuel to this fear with their treasonous comments.)

Council members said previous attempts to integrate Sadr into the U.S.-led political process had failed.

THAT part we believe.

[LADY J]

The best way to solve this is to KILL HIM!!

[GraniteStateConservative]

What do you mean? We liberated them. "Iraqis will govern Iraqis," as they say. We'll serve merely as the armed forces of Iraq to make sure the people do what the government tells them to do. We won't have any political control. We've told them we don't want it.

[johnfrink]

Because we mistakenly assume that our adversary is as rational as we are, and is as interested as we are in a long-term solution that helps the most people. Probably the most common mistake in intelligence--assuming that the other side shares the same values/beliefs/strategies as you do.

[GraniteStateConservative]

view the Governing Council as a bunch of US puppets.

And the real government-- which will write the real constitution-- will care even less about our wishes than the puppet government.

[aynrandfreak]

Did anyone explain how he made it from Sadr City to Najaf after we'd declared him an outlaw?

[dawn53]

I, too, think it's a bad idea. But I think the article has a familiar Reuter's spin to it.

Notice in the first paragraph, they "discussed a proposal" and in the second, the idea of not prosecuting is being leaked by ONE Shiite, who wanted to remain anonymous.

And these two paragraphs seem contradictory. They want him contained, but no force used against him, HUH???

"The members will not sign on the plan and no delegation will go see Moqtada unless we are sure he can be contained," said an official with close links to the 25-member council.

"Using more force against him will not work and the Americans know this. Many more will die and even more radical elements could emerge if he is killed," he said.

[VRWC_minion]

Seeing that it is known he will refuse the deal, this isn't a bad move.

[shield]

They're not IN-CHARGE yet. We are, I doubt we'll go along with that stupid decision.

The guy is a dead man.

[Captain Kirk]

Some of us predicted that this war/nation-building occupation would turn out to be a disaster rife with unintended consquences.

[doug9732]

If we turn over power to those people, we fought in vain.

[Mark Felton]

yes, you're likely right. It is probably Reuters anti-American spin.

[sgtbono2002]

I was thinking the same thing

[Bobby777]

(by Not Prosecuting Al-Sadr!)

fat chance ... no truce with terrorists ... I hope this does not come to pass ...

[laconic]

Well, if this is the type of government they produce, I don't want any part of it.

[rhombus]

Some of us predicted that this war/nation-building occupation would turn out to be a disaster rife with unintended consquences.

Unintended consequences are what makes things interesting. There are always unintended consequences - Some can be "disasterous", some can be beneficial. Let's just see what happens.

[mrsmith]

"Not a good way to start off your nation. Bribing an alleged murderer with a Get Out Of Jail Free card..."

We turned out OK.

We bribed the Barbary Pirates for our first 12 years, we made deals with renegade indians who'd murdered frontiermen, and then there was the famous deal with LaFitte in the War of 1812.

I doubt if this proposal is going anywhere though, despite Reuters high hopes.

[TrueBeliever9]

The message from the Governing Council appears to be: Sadr stop the uprising (violence); then, you will be free to roam about Iraq building your Mahdi Army and when the US pulls out you can run the show! And, I don't trust this Sistani (sp?) either - this looks like Shi'te good cop bad cop arrangement.

[montag813]

Neville Chamberlain III for Iraqi President!!!