Article

2004-05-08 Iraq-Jordan

U.S. Forces Move in on Sadr HQ in Baghdad Suburb

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Posted by Mr. Davis 2004-05-08 1:17:07 PM|| || Front Page|| [4 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Yes! I like the sound of this - the US has been tip-toeing about with the so-called Shi'a leaders - without results. They merely say don't support Sadr but resist the occupiers. That's not good enough. Some of the best people on the planet have died to reach this moment in time. Let that not be in vain - pursue a fair and equitable end -- or else. And I'd take else before I'd accept anything less than what we came for: to install a fair and equitable representative democracy, probably in the form of a Confederation / Republic.

Regards the "else", yeah, I know about the Dire Dangers of a General Uprising of Shi'a - but keep one thing in mind: they won't do it unless told to. They will live their lives, make money, raise children, etc. unless told to do differently. How we accomplish the feat of keeping their mullahs from playing hardball games I leave to your imaginations. The triangulation game with the Sunnis strikes me as clever, but short-term. So how do you "convert" Shi'a leaders to a position supporting a clean constitution? I have my notions. One thing of which I am certain: you don't do it by obsequious hat-in-hand behavior or pandering to egos - that liberates all of the worst aspects of the Arab collective personality.

Posted by .com 2004-05-08 1:55:08 PM|| 2004-05-08 1:55:08 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 you do it with the veiled threat of a reunited, refitted, and rearmed Sunni brigade... *cough*allujah*cough*

the Brits were masters of playing factions off against each other, learn their best lessons

Posted by Frank G 2004-05-08 2:12:50 PM|| 2004-05-08 2:12:50 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 sorry - swallowed the F in Fallujah while hacking

Posted by Frank G 2004-05-08 2:13:26 PM|| 2004-05-08 2:13:26 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 Remember the addage, "It's better to be feared than to be treated with contempt." Right now, there are several groups of Iraqis that have gotten away with treating us with contempt. That HAS to stop. If that means tearing up an Iraqi city or two, that's too bad - it's that old "cause and effect" thing again. We are willing to work with the Iraqis as equals, but we should never let them treat us with contempt. Anyone that does should IMMEDIATELY find a bullet between their eyes. They should learn to respect us. Failing that, they should learn the hard way, if necessary, to fear us. Otherwise, we'll be dealing with this mess for the next 300 years.

Posted by Old Patriot 2004-05-08 2:39:57 PM|| [http://users.codenet.net/mweather/default.htm] 2004-05-08 2:39:57 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Why is this guy still breathing? When is the U.S. going to get serious?

Posted by A Jackson 2004-05-08 4:32:22 PM|| 2004-05-08 4:32:22 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 Andy,

This is serious. We're going to play with him till he does something stupid and then let his countrymen do him in. Great morale builder and PR. He was dead a week ago but too few can read the brain scan properly.

Posted by Mr. Davis 2004-05-08 4:37:45 PM|| 2004-05-08 4:37:45 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 Has anyone noticed how the fighting has taken second billing behind Prison Porn? Maybe we'll have Sadr finished up before the media's attention is attracted by the next pretty light. Big media sure has a hard time multitasking.

Posted by whitecollar redneck 2004-05-08 10:37:56 PM|| 2004-05-08 10:37:56 PM|| Front Page Top

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