Posted on 01/04/2014 10:23:27 AM PST by Olog-hai
Two Iraqi cities that were strongholds of Sunni insurgents during the U.S. war in the country are battlegrounds once more after al-Qaida militants largely took them over, fending off government forces that have been besieging them for days.
The overrunning of the cities this week by al-Qaidas Iraqi branch in the Sunni heartland of western Anbar provinces is a blow to the Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Malik. His government has been struggling to contain discontent among the Sunni minority over Shiite political domination that has flared into increased violence for the past year. [ ]
Government troops, backed by Sunni tribesmen who oppose al-Qaida, have encircled Fallujah for several days, and have entered parts of the provincial capital Ramadi, also overrun by militants. On Friday, troops bombarded militant positions outside Fallujah with artillery, a military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to release information.
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At least we tried. Can’t blame Obama. At some point they have to take care of themselves and it ain’t happening.
Zero and his admin really waisted our American treasures, troupes, by taking out our troops from Iraq. What a shame for their families.
Al-Qaida? Whatever!
These are just locals that are ticked over a YouTube video.
/NYTimes /VoteHillary2016
Wholesale carpet bombing and tactical nukes would have been much cheaper, and much more effective. Pick a country in the middle east, make an example out of them, and dare any of the others to try the same stunt. Getting wiped off the face of the earth is a pretty powerful deterrent in anyone’s book. Let these jokers know that we’re not f****** around, and that we mean business.
Any reasonably intelligent person knew that as far back as 2003. Which eliminates anyone in Washington who wears a suit during the day.
Hey, it worked for Germany and Japan. Haven't heard any war talk from either after 1945.
While we contained Al-Qaeda during the Iraqi War, we never wiped them out. Now that is what the Iraqi government needs to do, if they’re strong enough (or ruthless enough)
They’re killing each other! Have at it. Let’s watch.
Iraq is comprised of 60-65% Shi’ite muslims. Granted, Ramadi and Fallujah are in Sunni regions, but ultimately this has to matter enough to the Iraqis to fight for it. If it doesn’t faze them, then they own this defeat.
Democracy in action by the religion of pieces. Three cheers for Nation Building...!
I nominate Iran and Pakistan.
Iran’s officially in the Middle East, but Pakistan is usually considered part of South Asia.
OK, how about Saudi Arabia.
Both of those are starting again.
That’s the left’s attitude. Let the winner get ever stronger (whomever it happens to be) so they can attack Israel once the region is unified.
Since both “sides” are ultimately bankrolled by Iran, then Iran’s the only winner here.
Surprised that wasn’t the top nominee, what with having both Mecca and Medina.
Yes...I blame Obama. He’s got Iran encouraged by weak US policy right next door. Now why would that not encourage Al alqueda in Iraq?
Sure you can. He's been arming terrorists in Libya and Syria, and those weapons are ending up in Iraq. We should be helping Assad, not creating another breeding grounds for insanity.
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