BREAKING: INSURGENTS FORM POLITICAL FRONT TO PLAN FOR U.S. WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ (Guardian UK)

[redacted]

IRAQ'S NEW COALITION: THE INSURGENTS
Seumas Milne in Damascus
Wednesday July 18, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Seven of the most important Sunni-led insurgent organisations fighting the US occupation in Iraq have agreed to form a public political alliance with the aim of preparing for negotiations in advance of an American withdrawal, their leaders have told the Guardian.

In their first interview with the western media since the US-British invasion of 2003, leaders of three of the insurgent groups - responsible for thousands of attacks against US and Iraqi armed forces and police - made clear that they would continue their armed resistance until all foreign troops were withdrawn from Iraq, and denounced al-Qaida for sectarian killings and suicide bombings against civilians.

Article continues
Speaking in Damascus, the spokesmen for the three groups - the 1920 Revolution Brigades, Ansar al-Sunna and Iraqi Hamas - said they planned to hold a congress to launch a united front within the next few weeks and appealed to Arab governments, other governments and the UN to help them establish a permanent political presence outside Iraq.

Abu Ahmad, spokesman for Iraqi Hamas said: "Peaceful resistance will not end the occupation. The US made clear that it intended to stay for many decades. Now it is a common view in the resistance that they will start to withdraw within a year. "

The move represents a dramatic change of strategy for the mainstream Iraqi insurgency, whose leadership has remained shadowy and has largely restricted communication with the outside world to brief statements on the internet and to the Arabic media.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2129644,00.html

[jpak]

1. "and denounced al-Qaida for sectarian killings and suicide bombings against civilians."

Sounds like them Sunnis don't like them AQ folks.

So much for the AQ takeover of post-occupation Iraq...

[moondust]

9. Yes, an AQ takeover of Iraq is another BIG LIE.

It was always a preposterous notion when you think about it but nobody ever challenges the Pukes when they push this bullshit out there to scare the hell out of people and justify their endless war.

[AntiFascist]

2. Whoa, they actually DENOUNCED al-Qaida!!

I hope more people will pick up on that. And, since they are "Sunni-led" I wouldn't think that they are sponsored by Iran either. I have a feeling that this is the insurgency which is the final straw to our military's efforts.

[TwilightGardener]

3. Stand down, boys, we ain't going anywhere.

[roamer65]

4. This a great development if true.

A united political front means negotiations are possible. This would be the equivalent of the IRA's Sinn Fein. Al-Qaeda is simply another foreign influence, and I'm not surprised they're rejecting them.

[1776Forever]

5. Now will Bush listen? I think this needs Olberman to jump in!

I would like to see someone get this on tape and get it to mainstream media! How about CNN or NBC, etc. :applause:

[redacted]

7. Get it on tape? BBC News 24 is already covering the story. . .

What do you think should be on tape? Don't quite understand.

[1776Forever]

15. I mean get this on the main channels - promoted by the mainstream media.

They usually want one of their own to get the story - if you know what I mean - if they don't have it on tape (video)themselves they don't seem to believe it!

[KansDem]

6. Hear that, George? They *do* want you to take your ball and go home...

In fact, they're expecting it.

[Gregorian]

8. I wish they'd promise to cease fire if and when we withdraw.

This would completely pull the rug out from under the republicans.

[roamer65]

10. I bet AQ's number 2 guy was "allowed" to be captured due to these Iraqi insurgents.

Sounds like a purge going on. Dump AQ influence, so they can unite and negotiate.

[Disturbed]

11. If al Sadr's forces unite with the Sunni Insurgency in this effort

the US Occupation will be doomed.

[roamer65]

13. From the text of the Guardian article, it sounds like they're trying.

Could Sunni and Shi'a unite? I have no doubt they could. Even Chiang and Mao united to get the Japanese out of China.

[redacted]

12. PHENOMENAL story. When have we ever heard of "political" pressure coming from IRAQ?

Looks like they think it's really going to happen. And announced on the same day that Harry put a hold on defense legislation.

[aquart]

14. It's a benchmark!

Right?