News – Uncertain Iraq Milestone (1/2)

Iraq

It’s becoming clear that choices made at this moment in Iraq could have far reaching consequences. Bush and Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani are being looked to for reaction to the uprising of Moqtada al-Sadr supporters. Being too rash or too soft could have detrimental effects. Being just right in targeting the problem could make the rest of the occupation a lot easier. Good will is a strong thing and to win it back solidly would help quite a bit. I’m sure many will advocate killing him, but the problem is that, in the Muslim world, killing an opponent is often the worse thing you can do as martyrs are generally stronger over there in my observation. Perhaps the best thing to do is offer the people a better alternative. The article notes many of his followers are poor Shiites. Thus easing their poverty would likely be a damn good step in calming them down. Worth a try?

Clashes in the southern town of Nassiriya have had an estimated toll of 15 Iraqi lives and 12 wounded Italian troops, sources say. The clashes are said to have started when members of a militia loyal to Sadr opened fire on troops who were seeking to restore order after two days of violent unrest. Low level clashes are ongoing in the town.

The fiercest fighting has been in Sadr City where the toll is at 30 Iraqis and 110 wounded.

Bush keeps June 30th as the date. That might not be the smartest of things to do, but if anything Bush is steady. Hopefully we won’t be steady on into the jaws of disaster. Meanwhile, the debatable polls show Bush’s support on Iraq slipping.

Some would suggest Bremer intentionally sought to provoke Sadr into action. Plausible. The CPA did close his newspaper and arrest one of his men in relatively rapid succession. And with Sadr on the offensive, it makes it an easy thing to justify an all out attack on him. Though the intent behind those actions isn’t, as usual, so clear. But it is an interesting suggestion. Some believe it harder and harder to accept the claim that violence is the exception and not the rule in Iraq. I can see where one would think that and I can sympathize with the view. Some believe that optimism is harder and harder to grasp. This too I can fully empathize with, as I often wonder about the true nature of the light that shines at the end of the Iraq tunnel. Exit or train? That’s the question. Unfortunately, we’re no longer blessed with an easy answer. Despite what we thought before, leaving has an even greater certainty of disaster, not only for Iraq, but or US credibility. We have to stay. And our leaders need to smarten up when it comes to handling the region. They haven’t been entirely adept at it. But do keep the comments and thoughts coming, they’re welcomed.

Israel/Palestine

Israelis are urged to walk armed for Passover due to the possibility of terrorist revenge strikes over the holiday. Such a perceived(and perhaps required) need is saddening.

Peace may well start or end in the conflict through the children. I like projects like the one noted in this article. If blame can be left behind and walls between cultures can be taken down, trust can grow in those who will hold the reigns of power in decades to come.

Afghanistan

Hamid Karzai, prez of Afghanistan, has called on the Afghan people to fight against drugs. A harvest of Poppies is set to be harvested soon and a lot of heroin will be refined from that base product. Of course, some people need money. If they don’t have other good means to get it, they’ll get it however they can. A sort of cold, pragmatic human nature that makes itself known all over the place. Give these opium farmers some legit way to make good money and it is likely that many will give up the illegal stuff.

Jordan

Jordan’s Sate Security Court has sentenced eight militants to death for the murder of US diplomat Laurence Foley. Among the eight is Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, said to be a senior alQueda man.

Hong Kong

China asserts itself with a ruling that it alone will decide if HK will have electoral reforms. To be expected, this isn’t being happily received.

Haiti

Haiti will select a new leader in 2005. US support is pledged.