|
Shiite Woman Member of GC Critically Wounded In Assasination Attempt
Newsday via WorldwireBy TAREK AL-ISSAWI Associated Press Writer September 20, 2003, 5:13 AM EDT BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Aquila al-Hashimi, a member of Iraqâs Governing Council, was shot and critically wounded Saturday in an assassination attempt outside her home in western Baghdad, police and doctors said. A prominent Shiite intelectual. Wonder what her lot in life was during the old regime. Al-Hashimi was in critical condition with abdominal wounds, a doctor at al-Yarmouk hospital said on condition of anonymity. After surgery she was moved to an unspecified location in a convoy of American armored vehicles and military ambulances. Three of her bodyguards also were injured, said Mohammed Abdul Ghany, a security guard at the al-Yarmouk hospital. Doesnât sound like very effective security. Theoretically, after an assasination attempt I would want my security to be in more critical shape than I am. A policeman who spoke on condition of anonymity said the attack occurred outside al-Hashimiâs home at about 9 a.m. Al-Hashimi is one of three women on the 25-member council. She was preparing to leave for New York as part of an Iraqi delegation that will attempt to assume Iraqâs seat at the U.N. General Assembly. Al-Hashimi is a Shiite Muslim and a career diplomat who led the Iraqi delegation to a donorsâ conference in New York this summer. She holds a degree in law and a doctorate in modern literature. NOW will obviously protest this action ... for its ineffectiveness in killing a dangerous female that probably doesnât agree with their politics. It was the latest in a string of attacks on figures perceived to be collaborating with Iraqâs American occupiers. Fighters believed to be loyal to Saddam Hussein are trying to disrupt the U.S.-sponsored political process that envisages a new constitution and a democratically elected government before the end of next year. The British hired some security guards from Fiji that might be an effective security force for the Governing Council. I donât think that a Marine guard detactment would do much for the credibility of the council. Late last month, a Shiite Muslim leader -- Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim -- was assassinated in a bomb blast in the holy city of Najaf south of Baghdad. The attack, widely thought to be the work of Saddamâs supporters, killed at least 85 people. Donât think the two leaders have much in common other than wearing teeshirts with targets printed on them. Al-Hakimâs Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, the biggest anti-Saddam opposition group, was represented on the Governing Council. Posted by: Super Hose 2003-09-20 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=18904 |