Posted on 06/28/2006 3:11:15 PM PDT by kellynla
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Eleven Sunni insurgent groups have offered an immediate halt to all attacks - including those on American troops - if the United States agrees to withdraw foreign forces from Iraq in two years, insurgent and government officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Withdrawal is the centerpiece of a set of demands from the groups, which operate north of Baghdad in the heavily Sunni Arab provinces of Salahuddin and Diyala. Although much of the fighting has been to the west, those provinces are increasingly violent and attacks there have crippled oil and commerce routes.
The groups who've made contact have largely shunned attacks on Iraqi civilians, focusing instead on the U.S.-led coalition forces. Their offer coincides with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's decision to reach out to the Sunni insurgency with a reconciliation plan that includes an amnesty for fighters.
The Islamic Army in Iraq, Muhammad Army and the Mujahedeen Shura Council - the umbrella group that covers eight militant groups including al-Qaida in Iraq - were not party to any offers to the government.
(Excerpt) Read more at ap.washingtontimes.com ...
- An end to U.S. and Iraqi military operations against insurgent forces.
- Compensation for Iraqis killed by U.S. and government forces and reimbursement for property damage.
- An end to the ban on army officers from Saddam's regime in the Iraqi military.
- An end to the government ban on former members of the Baath Party - which ruled the country under Saddam.
- The release of insurgent detainees."
And we all know the credibility of anything offered by any insurgent group is,,,
ZERO!!!!!
Good move on their part. When losing, bring the Dems on board.
I don't want any halting. I want these guys that killed our troops last week.
After a few more months of pressure like Zarkawi got, they'll settle for two cans of Spam and a VHS copy of 'Ishtar.'
I think the burden is on them to prove that they even have the power to do this. If I were the president of Iraq I'd ask them for one full week of no attacks to prove that this is even in their power. I doubt it is.
I have a counterproposal, hand us the bastards who tortured our boys last week and we'll only kill half of you.
Losers do NOT set the terms.
DING Ding DING.
We have a winner.
Only if the insurgents promise to redeploy to Okinawa first.
I'm surpised they didn't demand that Saddam be released.
"Thanks for the offer. Stand right there and wait for our counter offer... any second now, wait for it..."
Well, you know they are going to pull a "Kerry" and change their mind any minute now. Just like Saddam going on a hunger strike,,oh, for,,,one meal.
No spine.
The fact that they are evn at the table means they are hurting. I say keep them talking while we kill off their supporters one-b-one.....
1. We will withdraw after the cease-fire lasts a set period of time, thereby showing that Iraq has reasonable stability.
2. As regards compensation for death and property damage, we've expended considerable blood and treasure on behalf of Iraq. It's at best a wash.
3. As regards de-Baathification, we need to be realistic. Not every member of the Nazi Party truly supported Hitler. Those responsible for ensuring the stability of his regime should not be able to get a new government job, but minor functionalities should be able to.
4. The release of insurgent detainees should occur only after the cease-fire has been demonstrated to be successful, and anyone who killed Iraqi civilians or American servicemen should be forwarded to Iraqi courts for prosecution.
We should make an offer to the Iraqi insurgents that shows we're acting in good faith, and not acting out of imperial interests, but are staying there for the good of the Iraqi people. Do that, and it will pull the rug out from under the insurgency.
Uh huh. Bad timing on their part since we are in a "let's roll" mood right now.
I'm with you! Screw them and the horses they rode in on. Oops, maybe camels. :(
The bad news....In a totally surprising science break-through, the Al Quada terrorists have landed on the surface of the moon.
The good news....They're ALL there!
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