Pressured to show progress in Iraq, the US is creating new militias consisting of "ex-insurgents"

[sabra]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0717/p01s01-wome.html

Frustrated with the Iraqi Army, US forces cultivate ties to ex-insurgents.

Dalli Abbas, Iraq - In the pursuit of an elusive enemy the US loosely labels AQI (Al Qaeda in Iraq), US Green Berets and soldiers in this remote corner of Iraq have enlisted the help of a new ally that they have christened LRF, the "Legitimate Resistance Force."

It includes ex-insurgents, police dropouts with checkered backgrounds, and former Al Qaeda-linked fighters – all united by a desire to rid Diyala Province of the network's influence, say US officers.

"A lot of them are former Al Qaeda operatives ... but when they saw the stealing, murder, and terrorism, they realized it was not the way forward for Iraq," says Maj. John Woodward of San Antonio.

...

Maliki warned US forces last month against creating new militias in their fight against Al Qaeda-linked operatives. He insisted that all collaboration with local groups must be done through his government.

"What the Americans are doing is very risky and unwise. They are planting the seeds for future wars," warned Sami al-Askari, a parliamentarian close to Maliki, commenting on groups like the LRF.

[babylonsister]

1. I am SO SICK of this shit! Why are we there? Who's the enemy? nt

[madokie]

3. only bushco* is our enemy

[madokie]

2. Us americans have a mess on our hands as this statement alludes too

"What the Americans are doing is very risky and unwise. They are planting the seeds for future wars," warned Sami al-Askari, a parliamentarian close to Maliki, commenting on groups like the LRF.

I keep hoping that it won't require me getting off my tired old ass and trekking off to washington dc like all the rest of us are going to have to do to, but it looks like we are.

[EFerrari]

4. So, was this Abrams idea or Negroponte's?

These Iran Contra bastards are STILL at it.

[underpants]

5. Wow through the purity of their heart and their sudden nationalism...

:eyes:

Puhleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!