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| Iraq |
| Tikrit Elders Talk With U.S. Soldiers |
| 2003-11-01 |
| From WaPo - EFL and Fair Use By KATARINA KRATOVAC, Associated Press TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) -- The tribal elders from Saddam Hussein’s home region extended an invitation to U.S. soldiers for talks — and told them townspeople are against "terrorists" throwing bombs but also don’t like soldiers putting guns to men’s heads during searches. Hmmmm. Uja actions seem to have paid off... The freewheeling discussion between some 30 tribal leaders clad in traditional white robes and headscarves and American forces marked a renewed effort by coalition forces to win support from the elders in an area that has been a hotbed of anti-American resistance. The tea service was very impressive, I’d bet... "Who could imagine that we could sit openly and talk like this, say what we think without threats?" Lt. Col. Steve Russell said. His 4th Infantry Division troops have been hunting for Saddam supporters and Fedayeen militants in the area and have come under constant attack from insurgent forces. Now we have pictures of everybody for our, uh, keepsake album... Joined by local religious leaders, the police chief and the town mayor, Thursday’s meeting was organized by tribal sheiks in Salah Ad Din province to adopt a resolution denouncing anyone who attacked U.S. forces as a terrorist but also endorsing the "right to resist" the occupation. Damn, he almost got it right... "I am against terrorists and their attacks, but I am also against (American) soldiers putting guns to the heads of our men and trampling on our dignity," said town elder Mahmud Yasin, an arts professor at Tikrit University. First we have to agree on what In turn, Russell reassured the group that he understood their sensitivities, but said that the guerrilla attacks should be rejected. "I understand no one likes coalition forces being here. It is a matter of your national pride. We understand this. But armed resistance is completely unacceptable," he said. And we will continue to demonstrate this by killing your asshat sons and nephews when they attack us or innocent citizens until you get the message. ...More... LTC Steve sure gets some weird missions. Perhaps this will help. Perhaps not. One thing is certain, after all that tea, I’m sure they double-timed out of the tent... |
| Posted by:.com |
| #1 In Somalia strengthening the elders worked well in establishing local peace. A strongeman like Sadaam would have played different elements of this group against each other. Dealing this way may work. Evidently, the "elder" structure is still working in several places in Somalia that have not reverted to total chaos. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-11-1 9:04:36 PM |