U.S. to blame

Iraq's wave of religious violence has momentarily ebbed as Iraqi religious leaders agreed to stop killing each other. 

Sunni and Shi'ite religious leaders also met Saturday, agreeing to prohibit killings and ban attacks on each other's mosques. The clerics issued a statement blaming "the occupiers," meaning the Americans and their coalition partners, for stirring up sectarian unrest.

"We demand that the occupiers leave or set a timetable for the withdrawal," the clerics said.

I take that to mean they haven't given up hope of imposing a theocracy in Iraq by force.  A crucial first step is the departure of coalition forces before the Iraqi Police and National Guard are up to speed.

Comments

[ny patriot]

This sure does make the 1990's Powell Doctrine (if you break it you own it) seem increasingly dead-on now doesn't it? Oh but right ... this administration has always known all the answers to all the questions. They planned the victory parade before they knew what their exit strategy would be.

By the time they are done in office, Bush and his cronies will have set back American foreign policy 25 years. Thank you Red State idiots.

[Tom Bowler]

Pat, you've always been quick to pronounce failure. We know what the exit strategy is. Victory is the exit strategy. If by "set back American foreign policy 25 years" you mean that we aren't getting along so well with the French, I'd hardly consider that a setback.

[ny patriot]

What exactly is it that you think we are going to "win?" Peace in the Middle East? A stabilized democracy in Iraq? A secure source of oil from OPEC? You're kidding right?

[Tom Bowler]

Where've you been Pat? You ought to know I think Iraq will become a stable democracy and an ally in the war on terror. Even though you disagree with it and are unwilling to admit it, there is a strategy. Here's a refresher for you. Finally, you ought to know that I never thought it would happen over night, and nobody else did either.