You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Submit your comments on this article
Iraq
Qaeda fighters seize control of Iraqi village
2007-09-20
Al Qaeda fighters in Iraq have seized control of a village in the restive province of Diyala after a two-day battle with a rival Sunni insurgent group, police said on Wednesday. Dozens of fighters from the group arrived in boats on Monday and launched an attack on Al Shuan village on the banks of the Diyala river, police Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Al Obeidi said. Members of the rival Brigades of the 1920 Revolution fought back but the Sunni Arab village eventually fell to the Al Qaeda militants.

Obeidi said the village had been attacked after its 300 or so inhabitants refused to align with Al Qaeda in its fight against Iraqi and US security forces. “Al Qaeda militants attacked the village two days ago and took control of it (Tuesday),” said Obeidi.

Iraq wants Blackwater replaced after shootout: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki on Wednesday called on the US authorities to replace private security operator Blackwater. “This crime has generated a lot of hatred in the government and the people against Blackwater,” Maliki told reporters. “For their own interests, the Americans should hire a new company to protect their people so they can move freely.”

“This is a big crime and the seventh such crime committed by this company and which has been registered by the interior ministry,” Maliki said.
Posted by:Fred

#10  Battle of wills between the Ministry of Information and certain members of both State and Blackwater.
Posted by: Pappy   2007-09-20 21:24  

#9  AQ will have a very short and violent stay in that village.

And the blackwater thing sounds fishy. I think someone didn't pay high enough a bribe.
Posted by: DarthVader   2007-09-20 12:58  

#8  Gee, anybody think Nuri is politicing? (wink, wink)
Posted by: Bobby   2007-09-20 12:47  

#7  Coming from the very guy who'll be sitting in the back of a Blackhawk when the US leaves

Blackhawks flying to Teheran?
Posted by: lotp   2007-09-20 11:42  

#6  Form a new company, same exact ownership interests as Blackwater, call it Greenwater Security, have them buy out Blackwater for $1. Replace all Blackwater contracts with Greenwater contracts (same personnel and equipment). No more Blackwater in Iraq. Maliki wins his political points and business continues.
Or some slightly more subtle variation.
Posted by: Glenmore   2007-09-20 11:21  

#5  "...Americans should hire a new company to protect their people so they can move freely..."

You gotta love Maliki, and his thinking on making things 'right' and 'lovely' again! Coming from the very guy who'll be sitting in the back of a Blackhawk when the US leaves, he has a lot of nerve, as the head of his country, to complain about the self defense of a people (Blackwater)who's trying to shine his 'scepter' for him! Personally I won't shed a tear should his convoy happen upon an IED on one of his ignominious trips through the country; I just pray our guys aren't around!!
Posted by: smn   2007-09-20 08:47  

#4  Sounds like Blackwater may be late in some of its courtesy payments to Iraqi government shakedown artists officials.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble   2007-09-20 07:30  

#3  Would that "W" ring up Malarki...

Hey asshat, Blackwater is good-to-go by tomorrow morning at 0800, or we're done, cashed out, finished, outta here by Christmas. Have a nice phueching day.
Posted by: Besoeker   2007-09-20 07:22  

#2  Since Blackwater guys aren't too busy right now maybe they can escort a convoy to Al Shuan today.
Posted by: Glenmore   2007-09-20 07:11  

#1  This is the first I've read in a long time of AQ moving offensively in such large numbers as well as about them trying to hold ground. Given recent reports, one might believe their life expectencies have decreased substantially.
Posted by: Baba Tutu   2007-09-20 03:52  

00:00