We’re Caught in an Insurgency (Powell Interview by Asharq Al-Awsat)

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

Arab News: http://www.arabnews.com/?page=9§ion=0&article=34859&d=9&m=11&y=2003

WASHINGTON, 9 November 2003 — US Secretary of State Colin Powell has admitted he does not believe that either Saddam Hussein or Al-Qaeda is behind the resistance in Iraq. In a wide-ranging interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, Powell said the United States was being attacked by “insurgents” in Iraq, who “in my judgment are principally the remnants of the old regime.”

But he added he did not know who they were and said he had no information pointing to Osama Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network. “I have no reason to believe that they are behind it, but I can’t say they are not behind it,” he said.

Powell vowed the US would stay in Iraq until the security situation was under control and a constitution is in place and suggested the US occupation could end “before the end of next year or even earlier.”

Powell also praised Saudi Arabia for its efforts to combat terrorism and said the Kingdom had been doing “a lot of work” since the May 12 suicide bombings in Riyadh.

Below is the text of the interview:
<snip>

Worth the read. Questions you won't hear from the American Press.

[Maddy McCall]

1. Been noticing that "insurgent" is the latest propaganda term...

on all news networks, including NPR.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

3. The British media are now refering to land mines (finally) while the U.S.

has been refering to "Improvised Explosive Devices" which underscores the incident by making it sound as if the vehicle ran over a "cherry bomb" on a cigarette fuse.

[cliss]

2. he's getting warmer

Comment #1: Powell concedes the resistance fighters (we're not supposed to call them that according to AP; it romanticises them; they should be called "insurgents" or "rebels") are "principally remants of the old regime". This would mean Iraqis. Home-grown locals. For months now, they have been saying that Iraq has been infiltrated by foreign elements, such as Ansar-Al-Islam, or Al-Qaida. Bush corrected himself a week ago by saying there were "many who - uh - a few who want to see the regime reinstated". If the resistance fighters are primarily Iraqis, then it makes the whole idea of installing "democracy" in jeopardy, since they obviously don't want the US there. That's why they have to shift the focus on outsiders, and "we'll save you from them".

Comment #2: "we'll stay until the end of next year or even earlier". They have also used terms like "not one day longer than necessary", or "when democracy is installed, we'll leave". When the end of next year arrives, they will move up the exit date. This is a mirage that moves ever forward.

[Palacsinta]

4. "Home grown" also undercuts..........

their stupid "Flypaper" strategy, and rather the fight there than here.

[lumpy]

5. Colin Powell should not be forgiven for his part

in this travesty of a 'war'. Saudi Arabia isn't combating terrorism for benefit of the US of A. They have their own home grown terrorists trying to create a revolution and topple the ruling aristocray.