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2006-02-23 Iraq

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Posted by tipper 2006-02-23 04:17|| || Front Page|| [1 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 This is really bad. The stated aim of the Sunnis is to start a civil war. This act goes a long way towards accomplishing that goal.

Posted by gromky">gromky 2006-02-23 05:06|| http://communistposters.com/]">[http://communistposters.com/] 2006-02-23 05:06|| Front Page Top

#2 I'm thinking the backlash on this may be a tipping point for many Sunnis and cause them to realize that 'resistance' is a road that leads to disaster for them.

Posted by phil_b">phil_b 2006-02-23 06:35|| http://autonomousoperation.blogspot.com/]">[http://autonomousoperation.blogspot.com/] 2006-02-23 06:35|| Front Page Top

#3 I get the feeling both the Sunnis and the Shia are tired and don't really want a civil war.

This certainly seems bad and I know this may just be wishful thinking, but I'm hopeful that this still won't spiral to civil war.

Posted by 2b 2006-02-23 09:23|| 2006-02-23 09:23|| Front Page Top

#4 I get the feeling both the Sunnis and the Shia are tired and don't really want a civil war.

[Putting rose-colored glasses on] I agree with 2b.

What's unmistakable, though, is the virtual drooling of AP and other MSM outlets over the prospect of an Iraqi civil war.

Posted by Xbalanke 2006-02-23 12:48|| 2006-02-23 12:48|| Front Page Top

#5 Amen to all of the preceeding - they're not incompatible views. I certainly hope that they've had their fill of death. BH6's observation yesterday regards how quiet Anbar has become was welcome news. As what's left of the "insurgency" become focused, so can the efforts to end it. Seems to me, from afar, that most of the Iraqis are acquitting themselves well, overall, in the fight.

Posted by .com 2006-02-23 12:55|| 2006-02-23 12:55|| Front Page Top

#6 I do not think it's just tiredness that justifies the idea that this act will NOT lead to a civil war. It is in neither groups interest to start one.

If there is anything rational about the process, the Shia just got a stronger hand finalizing the government as they can point to this atrocity and explain that their constituents now demand more. If I were a Sunni politician I'd be scared at the backlash and more willing to lock in a deal rather than hold out longer.

Beside, I believe the shrine had some clerics buried there that were important to the Sunni too.

What's interesting is how quickly the retaliation against sunni mosques came. I would be interested to know details as to how well planned and organized these attacks were. They could have been spontaneous or they could have been organized by Al Queda or Iran for various reasons.

Posted by JAB 2006-02-23 13:01|| 2006-02-23 13:01|| Front Page Top

#7 You might want to check this post at Healing Iraq.

Or they could have been on the shelf plans that were implemented quickly so that the Sunnis' nose could be blooded but Sistani would look like the peace maker. Nothing over there would surprise me, especially as they are still in the process of negotiating the new government. Also interesting Tater was out of town.

And even if this was an al-Q attack, what are the chances the trainting and AAR occur in Iran?

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2006-02-23 13:57|| 2006-02-23 13:57|| Front Page Top

#8 Won't this cause more problems with the Saudi's and the Iranians? We know they are backing different sides in this fight.

Posted by plainslow 2006-02-23 14:47|| 2006-02-23 14:47|| Front Page Top

#9 I wouldn't be too upset if the Mullahcracy and the Saudi princelings suddenly discover they have problems...

Posted by trailing wife 2006-02-23 16:42|| 2006-02-23 16:42|| Front Page Top

#10 Didn't the Iranians recently demand that the Brits + post-elex IGA get out of Shia areas???

Posted by JosephMendiola 2006-02-23 22:12|| 2006-02-23 22:12|| Front Page Top

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