Article

2004-04-11 Iraq-Jordan

Rebels cheer as Allied fuel convoy burns

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Posted by tipper 2004-04-11 9:32:38 AM|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I think Mr. Straw doesn't know what he's talking about; if the vast majority were opposed, we wouldn't be able to conduct combat operations in a city the size of Fallujah with three battalions. Compare and contrast the situation with Grozny, for example (as was pointed out by Belmont Club today).

(For that matter, I think it would be good if Mr. Straw started reading Belmont Club regularly).

(Or at least stopped watching Al Jazeera).

Ugh.

Posted by Phil Fraering 2004-04-11 12:22:34 PM|| [http://newsfromthefridge.typepad.com] 2004-04-11 12:22:34 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 Regarding the Straw quote. I heard him speak on the radio yesterday, and this "quote" is from that. However, it's quite common that the media "massage" a quote, and this is an example ...

The BBC site has what he said (it was on BBC radio) ;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3614159.stm

Quote ;

"We need to be aware that the vast majority of Iraqis, whilst they do not like the occupation, they like the fact that Saddam has gone."

This might be a fair assessment. Zeyad mentions his thoughts on this in his current post at Healing Iraq.

BTW - I agree that Straw would do well to read the Belmont Club - and many other blogs (including this one).

Posted by Alastair Sherringham 2004-04-11 4:26:40 PM|| 2004-04-11 4:26:40 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 Alastair - And the Iraqi bloggers, as well. As should the US policy-makers. Here's to the small hope that they do, at least some of the time. There is a middle-of-stream wisdom that weaves through these many on-line discussions - worthy of official notice and consideration. Wretchard and den Beste are amazing to me for their never-fail calm - so apparent in their posts - and the clear-eyed analysis rooted in fact and relevant context.

Thx for your BBC catch - and for joining the fray! Please don't be shy!

Posted by .com 2004-04-11 4:43:10 PM|| 2004-04-11 4:43:10 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 Thanks - I'm not shy. Just apathetic sometimes ...

I've just banged off an email to the Herald Sun though, complaining about this distortion. Media bias and misrepresentation is getting to me.

Posted by Alastair Sherringham 2004-04-11 4:51:34 PM|| 2004-04-11 4:51:34 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 And the Sun is not the worst of the lot - but lax or intended, uncorrected instances such as this seem to become habit in some quarters.

Were it not for the Blogs... sigh. ;^)

I would've stayed on-topic, had there been only one. These conglomerations put me off. The Ukranians bailing and running, for wherever reason, when fired upon, for example, strikes me as a bona-fide story in its own right. Where's the interview with the Uke Commander and the Polish Commander he reports to - then the real story from the private who was manning the gate when the Wadhi Wrmy came to call? Sigh.

Posted by .com 2004-04-11 5:00:34 PM|| 2004-04-11 5:00:34 PM|| Front Page Top

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