All opinions posted. None too pathetic or contrived. Everyone gets their say.

"...even the wicked get worse than they deserve." - Willa Cather, One of Ours

Sunday, April 25, 2004

Alaa's Reply

THE MESOPOTAMIAN (Iraqi Sunni fm Baghada)
Alaa was kind enough to reply to my comment
Alaa made the reasonable suggestion that the Marines in Fallujah attempt to negotiate with the appropriate tribal leaders in the region in order to resolve the standoff.

I wrote in his comments section in reply:

"Alaa,

The American media has been a bit more explicit on the nature of the negotiations than you may have heard in Iraq.

The political negotiations with tribal leaders that you suggest here, is what the Marines have been trying to accomplish for the last two weeks.

As shocking as it may seem, it appears that the traditional tribal authorities have had thier power seriously undercut by the radical political movements controling the fedayeen in Fallujah.

For these fedayeen, they only wish for victory, or death.

There is no honorable middle ground that they can accept.

In this case, history cannot inform us of the right decision to make.

The Marines will attack Fallujah soon.

You should expect something similar to the capture of Berlin in 1945.

God help us.

Peace and Freedom for an Independant Iraq."


Alaa was kind enough to reply directly in his blog:
Zayphar,

1- The people whom the Marines have been talking to may not be representative of the entire Dulaim conglomeration. A veritable conference with all the representatives should be aimed at.
2- Of course the radicals and especially the foreigners don’t much care about the property and lives of the normal people. An Afghan or a Palestinian doesn’t really care, and in fact they want to inflict harm on the ordinary people. The longer the attrition continues the more irritation will grow against these elements, and the contradiction is bound to reach a point when the majority will swing decisively against them. Some patience is required and sooner or later you will have people wanting your help.
3- Those whose authority is undercut as you say, will wish secretly that they be rid of these elements, however they will never admit it publicly. You will even hear them protesting and lamenting loudly, when deep down they have quite different sentiments. This is customary in these parts.
4- Finally my friendly advice is this: 90% Brains; 10% Muscles - that should be the motto.

Salaam
Alaa,

The Marines have been trying to negotiate with the appropriate tribal leaders.

If these leaders have been unwilling to do so, even at this extreme moment, that only confirms my point that their political power has been reduced to such a level that they cannot effect the outcome.

The men with the guns and RPGs have the power.

They are the ones making the decisions.

That makes me frightened for Fallujah.

I have little hope now for a peaceful outcome.

May God have mercy and give blessings to the Children of Fallujah.


Peace and Freedom for an Independant Iraq.

ORIGINAL ITEM: http://messopotamian.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Zayphar / 4/25/2004 12:14:00 PM
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