Reply #3: The problem is al-Sadr isn't dropping bombs and missiles on the people... [View All]

[tedzbear]

...the USA is. The locals feel the Coalition is wrong in using overwhelming force to stop a small group of insurgents. The people are saying, "Why can't the Coalition let our native Iraqi security forces handle these guys instead of indiscriminately mowing down our
innocent friends and relatives?
While al-Sadr may be trying to grab power, so are all of the Shiite leaders at this point. In the end, the locals will side with a fellow Iraqi (no matter how opportunist) over the occupation when it comes to assigning blame. Kubanchi may very well alienate his followers if the Coalition continues to use bombs and missiles to stop what Bush calls a small, ragtag group of rebels. Once the Coalition's efforts to enforce the peace look callous and cruel, the people will turn against it. That is already happening for a large percentage of the locals.

Just because an opponent of al-Sadr throws his support behind the Coalition does not mean the people will. Whoever voices a rhetoric that best confirms what the locals are feeling in their hearts will win the day. Religion is like politics in that regard. The Coalition will not be helping Kubanchi by dropping more bombs and shooting at everything that moves.