Al-Sadr Loyalists Quit Iraqi Cabinet

Meanwhile, Military Reports 5 U.S. Soldiers And 2 Marines Killed

(CBS/AP)  Cabinet ministers loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr quit the government Monday, severing the powerful Shiite religious leader from the U.S.-backed prime minister and raising fears al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia might again confront American troops.

The U.S. military on Monday reported five U.S. soldiers and two Marines have been killed, five of them in combat on Monday. Two others were killed on two days earlier in Anbar province.

Two Marines died in combat in Anbar province, the insurgent stronghold west of Baghdad, on Monday. A soldier was killed Monday by a deadly roadside bomb known as an explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, in southern Baghdad. Two soldiers and an Iraqi translator were wounded in the attack.

In the northern city of Mosul, a university dean, a professor, a policeman's son and 13 soldiers died in attacks bearing the signs of al Qaeda in Iraq. Nationwide, at least 51 people were killed or found dead, and the U.S. military reported two soldiers slain in Baghdad.

The political drama in Baghdad was not likely to bring down Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, but it highlighted growing demands among Iraqi politicians and voters that a timetable be set for a U.S. troop withdrawal — the reason al-Sadr gave for the resignations.

The departure of the six ministers also was likely to feed the public perception that al-Maliki is dependent on U.S. support, a position he spent months trying to avoid. Late last year he went so far as to openly defy directives from Washington about legislative and political deadlines.

In an appearance with families of military veterans, President Bush said he had spoken with al-Maliki. "He said, 'Please thank the people in the White House for their sacrifices, and we will continue to work hard to be an ally in this war on terror,"' Bush said.

White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said al-Sadr's decision to pull his allies from the 37-member Cabinet did not mean al-Maliki would lose his majority in Iraq's parliament.

"I'd remind you that Iraq's system of government is a parliamentary democracy and it's different from our system. So coalitions and those types of parliamentary democracies can come and go," she said.

Sadiq al-Rikabi, an adviser to al-Maliki, told The Associated Press that new Cabinet ministers would be named "within the next few days" and that the prime minister planned to recruit independents not affiliated with any political group. The nominees will need parliament's approval.

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In Other Developments:

Two U.S. soldiers were killed in combat on Monday, both of them in Baghdad, the military reported. One soldier was killed in a roadside bombing in the south of the capital; another soldier was wounded in the attack. In southwestern Baghdad, a soldier died when his patrol was hit with small arms fire. A second soldier was wounded, the military said in separate statements. The victims' identifies were withheld until family was notified.

In Ramadi, U.S. forces mistakenly killed three Iraqi police officers Monday during a raid targeting al Qaeda in Iraq members. The U.S. military issued a statement saying its troops "coordinated their operation and no Iraqi police were known to be in the area." The Americans came under fire and responded, killing three men later identified as Iraqi police officers, the statement said. Another policeman was wounded.

At least 13 Iraqi soldiers were killed Monday when more than a dozen gunmen hiding in the back of a truck ambushed their military checkpoint near the northern city of Mosul, police said. Another four soldiers were wounded, said police Brig. Saeed Ahmed al-Jibouri, director of Ninevah police.

Ret. Marine Corps Gen. John J. Sheehan explained his decision to refuse the post of "war czar," saying the nation's foreign policy toward the Middle East is "confused." Sheehan, in a column published in Monday's Washington Post said: "I concluded that the current Washington decision-making process lacks a linkage to a broader view of the region and how the parts fit together strategically. We got it right during the early days of Afghanistan — and then lost focus. We have never gotten it right in Iraq."

The human rights groups Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Norwegian Refugee Council appealed to Western governments, in particular Britain, to accept more Iraqi refugees, in order to avert a humanitarian crisis in Middle Easter countries overwhelmed by tens of thousands fleeing sectarian violence. In a letter released on the eve of the first global meeting to address the Iraqi refugee crisis, the organizations indicated the U.S. had taken a step in the right direction by announcing it would accept up to 7,000 Iraqi refugees for resettlement, up from 202 in 2006. "The U.K. has done nothing to allow Iraqi refugees displaced by the conflict the chance to resettle in the U.K. — including people who have shown great loyalty and service to the U.K. in Iraq," they said.

The trial of Saddam Hussein's cohorts accused in the mass killings of Kurds held a brief session Monday, then adjourned until May 6, to allow lawyers more time to prepare closing statements. Saddam's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid — also known as "Chemical Ali" — is among six defendants currently on trial for Operation Anfal, in which more than 100,000 Kurds were killed in the 1980s.

A coroner on Monday reopened an inquest into the deaths of eight British servicemen at the start of the Iraq war, and criticized the United States for refusing to cooperate. The servicemen died when a U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashed in Kuwait on March 21, 2003, the second day of the war. Four Marines also died. A British inquiry concluded that technical failure was responsible for downing the plane.

Thousands upset about inadequate city services marched peacefully through the streets of Iraq's second largest city on Monday, demanding the provincial governor's resignation. Residents have complained of inadequate electricity, garbage disposal and water supplies in Basra, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad.

Two explosions rocked central Baghdad mid-morning — apparently the sound of mortar shells slamming into a schoolyard at Baghdad University, along the Tigris river. No casualties were reported.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Monday that he will be meeting this week with political and military leaders in Jordan, Israel and Egypt to help bolster the fragile Iraqi government. Discussions in each of the countries is likely to also focus on their military needs and what weapons and training they want from the United States, said one defense official. Gates also plans to urge countries such as Egypt and Israel to modernize their defense systems and "transition from the post-Soviet dependency on conventional weaponry to something more ... related toward counterterrorism and the non-state actors that we are all working together against in the region."

---

The Mahdi Army, the military wing of al-Sadr's political organization, put down its weapons and went underground before the U.S.-Iraqi security crackdown began in Baghdad on Feb. 14 seeking to end sectarian killings and other violence.

Although dozens of the militia's commanders were rounded in the clampdown, al-Sadr kept his militia from fighting back, apparently out of loyalty to al-Maliki, who was elected prime minister with al-Sadr's help.

With the political link severed, there are signs al-Sadr's pledge to control the militia might be broken as well. Forty-two victims of sectarian murders were found in Baghdad the past two days, after a dramatic fall in such killings in recent weeks. U.S. and Iraqi officials have blamed much sectarian bloodshed on Shiite deaths squads associated with the Mahdi Army.

A week ago, on the fourth anniversary of Baghdad's fall to U.S. troops, al-Sadr sent tens of thousands of Iraqis into the streets in a peaceful demonstration in two Shiite holy cities. Protesters burned and ripped U.S. flags and demanded the Americans fix a date for leaving.

"I ask God to provide the Iraqi people with an independent government, far from (U.S.) occupation, that does all it can to serve the people," al-Sadr said in a statement on the Cabinet resignations.

The departure of al-Sadr's allies from the Cabinet did not affect the 30 seats held by his followers in Iraq's 275-member parliament.

"The withdrawal will affect the performance of the government, and will weaken it," said Abdul-Karim al-Ouneizi, a Shiite legislator allied with a branch of the Dawa Party-Iraq Organization, which is headed by al-Maliki.

Saad Taha al-Hashimi, an al-Sadr ally who quit as Iraq's minister of state for provincial affairs, sought to reassure the cleric's supporters that their movement would remain influential.

"This does not mean the Sadrist movement will cease contributing to society," he told reporters. "The movement, as it always has, will remain in society and the government to offer what is best and to push forward the political process."

In violence Monday, at least 13 Iraqi soldiers were killed and four were wounded when more than a dozen gunmen hiding in the back of a truck attacked a military checkpoint near Mosul, police said.

"When the driver approached the checkpoint and reduced speed, preparing to stop for a routine search, all of a sudden more than a dozen gunmen ambushed the checkpoint members and showered them with gunfire," said a security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of safety concerns.

Elsewhere in the city, gunmen killed Jaafar Hasan Sadiq, a professor at the University of Mosul's college of arts, as he was driving to work around 8:30 a.m. Five hours later, Talal Younis al-Jalili, dean of the university's college of political science, was slain as he drove home. Shortly after nightfall, gunmen killed the 17-year-old son of a Mosul policeman.

The brazen nature and the targets of the attacks are similar to previous assaults that blamed on al Qaeda in Iraq fighters, who are trying to break Iraqi military resolve and discourage secular activities such as university education.

In Basra, in the deep south of Iraq, about 3,000 protesters angry over inadequate city services marched peacefully through the streets of Iraq's second largest city to demand that the provincial governor resign.

The demonstrators gathered near the Basra mosque, then marched a few hundred yards to Gov. Mohammed al-Waili's office, which was surrounded by Iraqi soldiers and police officers. The protest ended a few hours later.



© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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by bluestardad April 16, 2007 7:01 AM PDT

Well Once again we have seen how Republican Politicians twist the truth. Just because McCain and his crew was not kill, kidnapped, or beheaded with hundreds of guards in an Iraqi Market Place he thinks the troop plan of President Bush is working. Just like stopping funding for the Iraq war is in some way going to hurt the troops. It is not as they will redeploy unless Bush is so committed to Staying the Course he plans to leave them there without ammunition or food no matter what America says. In which case the first TV broad cast of captured Americans will cause such an uproar from the American People that Bush and his Republicans SELL OUT AMERICA FIRST TEAM may have to flee to Saudi Arabia or Israel to live because he wont be welcome here.

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by candojj1 April 16, 2007 7:22 AM PDT

Smart move. This Wolfowitz doctrine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfowitz_Doctrine)should tell us the game plan that is coming. Note, that the 10 USSR countries are already NATO allies and IMF suckers. Wolfowitz is knownas the RAPTOR and here was his plan in 1992. He is the architect and chief hawk of the Iraqi war and head capitalist of the WORLD (BANK and IMF) . Those were his visions. While many see the Iraqi war as already lost by the U.S., many don't see that at all. They see carrier group at the ready. They see a willingness by a commander in chief to take down Russia and anyone else (see Hobbes) that stands in the way of the power of this country. So while the timetable may be set, nevertheless, the table is set for congress not to withdraw funding and they will have their hands tied, or the dollar will collapse. It's too complicated to explain in 1500 characters. But Bush has made sure of that. It's rigged.

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by formrusmcsgt April 16, 2007 7:43 AM PDT

Al Sadr states that the Iraqi Parlaiment will impose a time table for American troops.

Let's see Dubya veto that one.

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by tbweb April 16, 2007 7:47 AM PDT

Success in Iraq hardly seems possible without the support of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and Shiite leader Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr are the 3 main leaders of the majority Shiite population in the region and if these 3 don't come together for the good of Iraq and the Iraqi people, war, death and destruction will continue. This is the other hidden war, the war for power, control and influence within the Shiite Religion and this is one of the main reasons why a military solution is not possible. With all the daily death, destruction and sufferring experienced by the Iraqi people especially the Iraqi children, you would think the 3 Shiite leaders would come together and give them some much needed relief, but no, the human EGO wins again, unable to see beyond its selfish self! This is now about whats best for the Iraqi people and especially the Iraqi Children and the first order of business is to stop the bleeding, not to be on some personal power trip!

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by stevenga777 April 16, 2007 8:02 AM PDT

Both the American people and the Iraqi people want the U.S. to leave Iraq. But the U.S. won't leave Iraq until the Iraqi people say we can stay in Iraq. That the U.S. will only leave Iraq when Iraq says we may stay is an irony above all ironies.

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by rafterman1 April 16, 2007 8:15 AM PDT

"5. The war is unwinnable because the press and the terrorists say it isn't."

No, it's unawinnable because strategy dicates that it isn't. Read Tzu's "The Art of War" instead of the Republiucanb talking points. You will learn more.

Still waiting to hear when you plan on signing up for duty...

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by mcvet April 16, 2007 8:19 AM PDT

It seems that the Southern Fascist and Bush are intent on staying in Iraq until they have completely embarrassed this nation to the point that nothing, after them, can be done. They are very good at this but for some reason I just do not thing Iraq is a bunch of Brain Dead Red Necks so????????? Our Military achieved Victory over the Army, what there was of it, in Iraq LONG ago. But that wasn't what the Klan Man was after now was it. No! He had to stay, pretend to "give" them something He himself has never believed in, then control the country from Washington. Didn't work and the longer we stay with this failed policy the more death and distruction we'll see. Bush does not understand this culture and the fact that dying in the "Service of God" is their highest calling. He should understand it, given the History of the part of the country he hails from, but he just doesn't. Sieg Heil Y'all

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by zykracosmos April 16, 2007 8:21 AM PDT

This is a sign that Sadr believes that his private militia is strong enough to win a civil war against the Sunnis, with Iranian backing, and he is willing to let the US-backed coalition government fail in order to light the fuse.

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by mcvet April 16, 2007 8:22 AM PDT

And I need to get some facts and some new material??

Posted by didntinhale at 08:12 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Maybe you can call the Reich and ask why they are flat getting the hell kicked out of them? I mean Sparky I've read about some serious Butt Whoopins in history but this one takes the cake. Most intelligent creatures never get to this point because they have enough brain power to find a better solution. Not this loser though. He's put in the position by God and he'll stay until there's nothing of this nation left to fight for. EXACT same thinking as HITLER. Sieg Heil

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by mcvet April 16, 2007 8:26 AM PDT

No, it's unawinnable because strategy dicates that it isn't. Read Tzu's "The Art of War" instead of the Republiucanb talking points. You will learn more.

Still waiting to hear when you plan on signing up for duty...

Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:15 AM : Apr 16, 2007
+ report abuse

LOL Yeah you did ask him that several times. How about it didntinhale when are you going to sign up to fight for your hero? Oh by the way those guys who are going to be shooting at you? They are NOT American Liberals who will just let your stupidity pass... NO Sparky. They will Kill you Stone Cold DEAD and discuss your beliefs in One Party Rule over dinner. Sieg Heil Y'all. ROFLMAO

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by formrusmcsgt April 16, 2007 8:42 AM PDT

Hey McVet-

You know the difference between Iraq and Viet Nam?

Bush had an exit strategy for Viet Nam, bro.

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by rafterman1 April 16, 2007 8:43 AM PDT

"LOL Yeah you did ask him that several times."

Yeah, and the thing is, I wouldn't trash anyone for thinking war is necessary even if they've never gone or will go. Because sometimes war is necessary and service (or lack of service) does not negate free speech. But if should'veinhaled is going to beat the drums of war and call people traitors and cowards, he better back himself up with more than slogans and cut'n'paste jobs that are only funny to him.

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by formrusmcsgt April 16, 2007 8:49 AM PDT

But if should'veinhaled is going to beat the drums of war and call people traitors and cowards, he better back himself up with more than slogans and cut'n'paste jobs that are only funny to him.

Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:43 AM : Apr 16, 2007

It makes him feel like a big dog on his own planet, Rafterman1.

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by rafterman1 April 16, 2007 8:52 AM PDT

"It makes him feel like a big dog on his own planet, Rafterman1."

At this point, I have to believe he's just a troll looking to press buttons. I mean, he has to be because even a neocon cannot be that ignorant and dellusional, can they?

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by formrusmcsgt April 16, 2007 9:04 AM PDT

At this point, I have to believe he's just a troll looking to press buttons. I mean, he has to be because even a neocon cannot be that ignorant and dellusional, can they?

Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:52 AM : Apr 16, 2007

GWB.

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by bigsk8fan April 16, 2007 9:11 AM PDT

Is this what W and McCain mean by things are getting better? Now the most significant religious minority, in terms of population, is abandoning the W backed govt. USA needs to leave now. Al Sadr is doing this to get the timetable that the Democrats want W to accept. Sounds like a good idea to me at this point. The USA is in Iraq illegally anyway.

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by neoconrcrazy April 16, 2007 9:14 AM PDT

he is willing to let the US-backed coalition government fail in order to light the fuse.
Posted by ZykraCosmo

Agree entirely - looks like Iraqs "democratically elected" government will fall - in what - 6-8 weeks.

Seems logical since the major participants in the government are now seen as "part of the problem" and being harassed by loyal American Iraqis forces backed up by Petraeus.

This will be a slow boil as Iraqi players wake up to the reality that they do have an influence and America's card is the weakest in the deck.

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by formrusmcsgt April 16, 2007 9:14 AM PDT

Al Sadr is doing this to get the timetable that the Democrats want W to accept.
Posted by bigsk8fan at 09:11 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Let's see Dubya veto THAT timetable, eh?

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by rafterman1 April 16, 2007 9:16 AM PDT

"GWB."

Naw, something tells me Bush, Cheney and company know EXACTLY what they are doing. And it not for the benefit of America either. It's the "true believers" that scare me. They are the same kind of people that followed without question many dictators of history.

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by mbcsmith April 16, 2007 9:17 AM PDT

It's time the LIBS in Congress back up their words and support the troops with FUNDING. FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

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by irishbitch1 April 16, 2007 9:26 AM PDT

It is time for bush to support the Troops and not veto the bill with the timeline which the Iraqi's want too! Take better care of our wounded heros and fund their healthcare instead of cutting it! Bush is a disgrace to our country!

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by neoconrcrazy April 16, 2007 9:27 AM PDT

How will the White House explain this one, if they even try ?

Cheneys' democratically elected government just lost a major player.

Where will al-Sadr be putting his money? On what horse? A veer towards Iran? A direct attempt to influence American policy by demanding a pull-out date?

Anyone who thinks the Iraqis are going sit by while America starts eating the whole pie itself is deluding themselves.

These guys are going to re-claim their country - period.

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by neoconrcrazy April 16, 2007 9:35 AM PDT

The neocons should start printing their Iraqi pull-out posters:

"THANK YOU AMERICA FOR FREEDOM & LIBERTY"

"THANKS TO GWB FOR A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY"

"thank you mr cheney, wolfowitz, rummie, feith, abrams, wurmser, perle, bolton, et al."

"and all the brave American neocons who gave us their worst foreign policy blunder in American history"

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by formrusmcsgt April 16, 2007 9:41 AM PDT

It's time the LIBS in Congress back up their words and support the troops with FUNDING. FUND THE TROOPS NOW!
Posted by mbcsmith at 09:17 AM : Apr 16, 2007

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.

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by netadmin1-2009 April 16, 2007 9:47 AM PDT

didninhale

how dare you call the soldier, the author of the letter you reposted "stupid" you should absolutely be ashamed of yourself. You not only should apologize to Nelson but to ever other patriotic soldier that is serving this country abroad.

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by clestes-2009 April 16, 2007 9:52 AM PDT

It is completely hopeless to try and forge any unity amoung these people. Time to come home!!!

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by neoconrcrazy April 16, 2007 9:54 AM PDT

didntinhale

sounds like you're having alot of fun out here in cyberland saying and printing things you'd be ashamed to do face to face.

maybe your "stupid soldier" was your try at cynical humor but when the discussion ultimately revolves around hundreds of thousands of dead and exiled human beings, seems your out of place.

sorry dude - find a new identity

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by netadmin1-2009 April 16, 2007 9:56 AM PDT

didntinhale - am not new - I read the posts daily - don't comment unless I really feel compelled to. Your comment I really felt compelled to post a comment. Whatever the point you were trying to make - It was an uncalled for statement.

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by rharrin1 April 16, 2007 9:58 AM PDT

didntinhale is telling the truth he doesn't inhale

BUT he does swallow.

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by mbcsmith April 16, 2007 10:03 AM PDT

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

Reply to this comment

by mbcsmith April 16, 2007 10:03 AM PDT

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

Reply to this comment

by mbcsmith April 16, 2007 10:04 AM PDT

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

Reply to this comment

by mbcsmith April 16, 2007 10:04 AM PDT

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

Reply to this comment

by neoconrcrazy April 16, 2007 10:06 AM PDT

Even though the death toll may seem high to some, but you must really consider how low it actually is and see the difference from previous wars. didntinhale

above sentence comes right out the mouth of richard perle - probably a bogus letter.

can anyone actually imagine a soldier with his life on the line saying such a thing? When you know you might be next, every life is important.

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by netadmin1-2009 April 16, 2007 10:07 AM PDT

didntinhale

so you are saying your courageous convictions tell you that every soldier abroud is stupid?

Reply to this comment

by netadmin1-2009 April 16, 2007 10:11 AM PDT

didntinhale

should have read - so you are saying your courageous convictions tell you that every soldier abroad is stupid?

Reply to this comment

by neoconrcrazy April 16, 2007 10:11 AM PDT

I dont lack the courage of my convictions my socialist friends.


Posted by didntinhale


list your convictions vis-a-vis the Bush War, if you have any. It's a dare - back down and you're a yellow-belly coward!

Reply to this comment

by omega39-2009 April 16, 2007 10:21 AM PDT

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!
Posted by mbcsmith

The Democratic congress is doing exactly what it was elected to do, bring this war to a close. If the majority wanted "more of the same", the Republicans would still be running congress.

Reply to this comment

by neoconrcrazy April 16, 2007 10:35 AM PDT

I dont lack the courage of my convictions my socialist friends.


Posted by didntinhale


list your convictions vis-a-vis the Bush War, if you have any. It's a dare - back down and you're a yellow-belly coward!

Reply to this comment

by netadmin1-2009 April 16, 2007 10:40 AM PDT

didntinhale

your statement lacks two things. You don't have any courage and you don't have any clear convictions.

Reply to this comment

by mbcsmith April 16, 2007 10:49 AM PDT

The Democratic congress is doing exactly what it was elected to do, bring this war to a close. If the majority wanted "more of the same", the Republicans would still be running congress.
Posted by omega39 at 10:21 AM : Apr 16, 2007


FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

Reply to this comment

by mbcsmith April 16, 2007 10:49 AM PDT

The Democratic congress is doing exactly what it was elected to do, bring this war to a close. If the majority wanted "more of the same", the Republicans would still be running congress.
Posted by omega39 at 10:21 AM : Apr 16, 2007


FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

Reply to this comment

by rafterman1 April 16, 2007 10:53 AM PDT

"FUND THE TROOPS NOW!"

The troops have been funded. Now it's up to Bush to sign it and respect the will of the majority of the people.

Reply to this comment

by frankly6 April 16, 2007 11:19 AM PDT

neoconRcrazy

Looks like didntinhale lacked the courage to list his convictions.

Reply to this comment

by karlimhof April 16, 2007 12:06 PM PDT

neoconRcrazy

Looks like didntinhale lacked the courage to list his convictions.


Posted by frankly6

yeah, these guys are all the same - when it comes down to saying who they really are, they disappear. keep your eyes open for his next "courageous" statement !

Reply to this comment

by jjreding-2009 April 16, 2007 12:09 PM PDT

Yep, things in Iraq are proceeding swimmingly. More like drowning.

Reply to this comment

by micma-2009 April 16, 2007 2:10 PM PDT

The unravelling of the Iraqi government. Ah yes, more signs of progress coming out of Iraq every day.

Reply to this comment

by infidel_us April 16, 2007 2:32 PM PDT

We should have "served the people" by taking Al-Sadr's sorry a** out when we had him. More military blunders. Whetever happened to whiskey drinking, cigar smoking generals who knew how to prosecute a war???

Reply to this comment

by ramos937 April 16, 2007 2:44 PM PDT

Yes sir...McCain/Bush/Cheney/etc. find signs of progress in Iraq. Cabinet ministers loyal to the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr quite the cabinent. They are *******. The insurgents now are concentraing their operations in outlying towns outside of Bagdad. Our dead are now over 3,300. The war is costing over $5.9 Billion per week to the American taxpayer. The list goes on and on.Forgive me, I just cannot understand how these things are regarded as "signs of progress" by any sane person.

Reply to this comment

by mcvet April 16, 2007 2:52 PM PDT

We should have "served the people" by taking Al-Sadr's sorry a** out when we had him. More military blunders. Whetever happened to whiskey drinking, cigar smoking generals who knew how to prosecute a war???
Posted by Infidel_US at 02:32 PM : Apr 16, 2007
+ report abuse

Well look at the commander in chief Sparky! There was NO plan from the begining and the Defense Secretary was the BIGGEST loser of all time. Don't blame the Generals, they tried to tell the bafoons from the start that this was NUTS, the whole occupation and "Giving" these people our form of government. Sieg Heil Y'all.

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[bluestardad]

Well Once again we have seen how Republican Politicians twist the truth. Just because McCain and his crew was not kill, kidnapped, or beheaded with hundreds of guards in an Iraqi Market Place he thinks the troop plan of President Bush is working. Just like stopping funding for the Iraq war is in some way going to hurt the troops. It is not as they will redeploy unless Bush is so committed to Staying the Course he plans to leave them there without ammunition or food no matter what America says. In which case the first TV broad cast of captured Americans will cause such an uproar from the American People that Bush and his Republicans SELL OUT AMERICA FIRST TEAM may have to flee to Saudi Arabia or Israel to live because he wont be welcome here.

[candojj1]

Smart move. This Wolfowitz doctrine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfowitz_Doctrine)should tell us the game plan that is coming. Note, that the 10 USSR countries are already NATO allies and IMF suckers. Wolfowitz is knownas the RAPTOR and here was his plan in 1992. He is the architect and chief hawk of the Iraqi war and head capitalist of the WORLD (BANK and IMF) . Those were his visions. While many see the Iraqi war as already lost by the U.S., many don't see that at all. They see carrier group at the ready. They see a willingness by a commander in chief to take down Russia and anyone else (see Hobbes) that stands in the way of the power of this country. So while the timetable may be set, nevertheless, the table is set for congress not to withdraw funding and they will have their hands tied, or the dollar will collapse. It's too complicated to explain in 1500 characters. But Bush has made sure of that. It's rigged.

[formrusmcsgt]

Al Sadr states that the Iraqi Parlaiment will impose a time table for American troops.

Let's see Dubya veto that one.

[tbweb]

Success in Iraq hardly seems possible without the support of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and Shiite leader Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr are the 3 main leaders of the majority Shiite population in the region and if these 3 don't come together for the good of Iraq and the Iraqi people, war, death and destruction will continue. This is the other hidden war, the war for power, control and influence within the Shiite Religion and this is one of the main reasons why a military solution is not possible. With all the daily death, destruction and sufferring experienced by the Iraqi people especially the Iraqi children, you would think the 3 Shiite leaders would come together and give them some much needed relief, but no, the human EGO wins again, unable to see beyond its selfish self! This is now about whats best for the Iraqi people and especially the Iraqi Children and the first order of business is to stop the bleeding, not to be on some personal power trip!

[stevenga777]

Both the American people and the Iraqi people want the U.S. to leave Iraq. But the U.S. won't leave Iraq until the Iraqi people say we can stay in Iraq. That the U.S. will only leave Iraq when Iraq says we may stay is an irony above all ironies.

[rafterman1]

"5. The war is unwinnable because the press and the terrorists say it isn't."

No, it's unawinnable because strategy dicates that it isn't. Read Tzu's "The Art of War" instead of the Republiucanb talking points. You will learn more.

Still waiting to hear when you plan on signing up for duty...

[mcvet]

It seems that the Southern Fascist and Bush are intent on staying in Iraq until they have completely embarrassed this nation to the point that nothing, after them, can be done. They are very good at this but for some reason I just do not thing Iraq is a bunch of Brain Dead Red Necks so????????? Our Military achieved Victory over the Army, what there was of it, in Iraq LONG ago. But that wasn't what the Klan Man was after now was it. No! He had to stay, pretend to "give" them something He himself has never believed in, then control the country from Washington. Didn't work and the longer we stay with this failed policy the more death and distruction we'll see. Bush does not understand this culture and the fact that dying in the "Service of God" is their highest calling. He should understand it, given the History of the part of the country he hails from, but he just doesn't. Sieg Heil Y'all

[zykracosmos]

This is a sign that Sadr believes that his private militia is strong enough to win a civil war against the Sunnis, with Iranian backing, and he is willing to let the US-backed coalition government fail in order to light the fuse.

[mcvet]

And I need to get some facts and some new material??

Posted by didntinhale at 08:12 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Maybe you can call the Reich and ask why they are flat getting the hell kicked out of them? I mean Sparky I've read about some serious Butt Whoopins in history but this one takes the cake. Most intelligent creatures never get to this point because they have enough brain power to find a better solution. Not this loser though. He's put in the position by God and he'll stay until there's nothing of this nation left to fight for. EXACT same thinking as HITLER. Sieg Heil

[mcvet]

No, it's unawinnable because strategy dicates that it isn't. Read Tzu's "The Art of War" instead of the Republiucanb talking points. You will learn more.

Still waiting to hear when you plan on signing up for duty...

Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:15 AM : Apr 16, 2007
+ report abuse

LOL Yeah you did ask him that several times. How about it didntinhale when are you going to sign up to fight for your hero? Oh by the way those guys who are going to be shooting at you? They are NOT American Liberals who will just let your stupidity pass... NO Sparky. They will Kill you Stone Cold DEAD and discuss your beliefs in One Party Rule over dinner. Sieg Heil Y'all. ROFLMAO

[formrusmcsgt]

Hey McVet-

You know the difference between Iraq and Viet Nam?

Bush had an exit strategy for Viet Nam, bro.

[rafterman1]

"LOL Yeah you did ask him that several times."

Yeah, and the thing is, I wouldn't trash anyone for thinking war is necessary even if they've never gone or will go. Because sometimes war is necessary and service (or lack of service) does not negate free speech. But if should'veinhaled is going to beat the drums of war and call people traitors and cowards, he better back himself up with more than slogans and cut'n'paste jobs that are only funny to him.

[formrusmcsgt]

But if should'veinhaled is going to beat the drums of war and call people traitors and cowards, he better back himself up with more than slogans and cut'n'paste jobs that are only funny to him.

Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:43 AM : Apr 16, 2007

It makes him feel like a big dog on his own planet, Rafterman1.

[rafterman1]

"It makes him feel like a big dog on his own planet, Rafterman1."

At this point, I have to believe he's just a troll looking to press buttons. I mean, he has to be because even a neocon cannot be that ignorant and dellusional, can they?

[formrusmcsgt]

At this point, I have to believe he's just a troll looking to press buttons. I mean, he has to be because even a neocon cannot be that ignorant and dellusional, can they?

Posted by Rafterman1 at 08:52 AM : Apr 16, 2007

GWB.

[bigsk8fan]

Is this what W and McCain mean by things are getting better? Now the most significant religious minority, in terms of population, is abandoning the W backed govt. USA needs to leave now. Al Sadr is doing this to get the timetable that the Democrats want W to accept. Sounds like a good idea to me at this point. The USA is in Iraq illegally anyway.

[neoconrcrazy]

he is willing to let the US-backed coalition government fail in order to light the fuse.
Posted by ZykraCosmo

Agree entirely - looks like Iraqs "democratically elected" government will fall - in what - 6-8 weeks.

Seems logical since the major participants in the government are now seen as "part of the problem" and being harassed by loyal American Iraqis forces backed up by Petraeus.

This will be a slow boil as Iraqi players wake up to the reality that they do have an influence and America's card is the weakest in the deck.

[formrusmcsgt]

Al Sadr is doing this to get the timetable that the Democrats want W to accept.
Posted by bigsk8fan at 09:11 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Let's see Dubya veto THAT timetable, eh?

[rafterman1]

"GWB."

Naw, something tells me Bush, Cheney and company know EXACTLY what they are doing. And it not for the benefit of America either. It's the "true believers" that scare me. They are the same kind of people that followed without question many dictators of history.

[mbcsmith]

It's time the LIBS in Congress back up their words and support the troops with FUNDING. FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

[irishbitch1]

It is time for bush to support the Troops and not veto the bill with the timeline which the Iraqi's want too! Take better care of our wounded heros and fund their healthcare instead of cutting it! Bush is a disgrace to our country!

[neoconrcrazy]

How will the White House explain this one, if they even try ?

Cheneys' democratically elected government just lost a major player.

Where will al-Sadr be putting his money? On what horse? A veer towards Iran? A direct attempt to influence American policy by demanding a pull-out date?

Anyone who thinks the Iraqis are going sit by while America starts eating the whole pie itself is deluding themselves.

These guys are going to re-claim their country - period.

[neoconrcrazy]

The neocons should start printing their Iraqi pull-out posters:

"THANK YOU AMERICA FOR FREEDOM & LIBERTY"

"THANKS TO GWB FOR A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY"

"thank you mr cheney, wolfowitz, rummie, feith, abrams, wurmser, perle, bolton, et al."

"and all the brave American neocons who gave us their worst foreign policy blunder in American history"

[formrusmcsgt]

It's time the LIBS in Congress back up their words and support the troops with FUNDING. FUND THE TROOPS NOW!
Posted by mbcsmith at 09:17 AM : Apr 16, 2007

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.

[netadmin1-2009]

didninhale

how dare you call the soldier, the author of the letter you reposted "stupid" you should absolutely be ashamed of yourself. You not only should apologize to Nelson but to ever other patriotic soldier that is serving this country abroad.

[clestes-2009]

It is completely hopeless to try and forge any unity amoung these people. Time to come home!!!

[neoconrcrazy]

didntinhale

sounds like you're having alot of fun out here in cyberland saying and printing things you'd be ashamed to do face to face.

maybe your "stupid soldier" was your try at cynical humor but when the discussion ultimately revolves around hundreds of thousands of dead and exiled human beings, seems your out of place.

sorry dude - find a new identity

[netadmin1-2009]

didntinhale - am not new - I read the posts daily - don't comment unless I really feel compelled to. Your comment I really felt compelled to post a comment. Whatever the point you were trying to make - It was an uncalled for statement.

[rharrin1]

didntinhale is telling the truth he doesn't inhale

BUT he does swallow.

[mbcsmith]

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

[mbcsmith]

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

[mbcsmith]

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

[mbcsmith]

The Dems HAVE provided funding. What they will not provide is a blank check.

Big difference, mbcsmith.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:41 AM : Apr 16, 2007

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

[neoconrcrazy]

Even though the death toll may seem high to some, but you must really consider how low it actually is and see the difference from previous wars. didntinhale

above sentence comes right out the mouth of richard perle - probably a bogus letter.

can anyone actually imagine a soldier with his life on the line saying such a thing? When you know you might be next, every life is important.

[netadmin1-2009]

didntinhale

so you are saying your courageous convictions tell you that every soldier abroud is stupid?

[netadmin1-2009]

didntinhale

should have read - so you are saying your courageous convictions tell you that every soldier abroad is stupid?

[neoconrcrazy]

I dont lack the courage of my convictions my socialist friends.


Posted by didntinhale


list your convictions vis-a-vis the Bush War, if you have any. It's a dare - back down and you're a yellow-belly coward!

[omega39-2009]

Exactly what funding do you think the LIBS have put forward? My last review indicates NOTHING! LIB Congress MUST FUND THE TROOPS NOW!
Posted by mbcsmith

The Democratic congress is doing exactly what it was elected to do, bring this war to a close. If the majority wanted "more of the same", the Republicans would still be running congress.

[neoconrcrazy]

I dont lack the courage of my convictions my socialist friends.


Posted by didntinhale


list your convictions vis-a-vis the Bush War, if you have any. It's a dare - back down and you're a yellow-belly coward!

[netadmin1-2009]

didntinhale

your statement lacks two things. You don't have any courage and you don't have any clear convictions.

[mbcsmith]

The Democratic congress is doing exactly what it was elected to do, bring this war to a close. If the majority wanted "more of the same", the Republicans would still be running congress.
Posted by omega39 at 10:21 AM : Apr 16, 2007


FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

[mbcsmith]

The Democratic congress is doing exactly what it was elected to do, bring this war to a close. If the majority wanted "more of the same", the Republicans would still be running congress.
Posted by omega39 at 10:21 AM : Apr 16, 2007


FUND THE TROOPS NOW!

[rafterman1]

"FUND THE TROOPS NOW!"

The troops have been funded. Now it's up to Bush to sign it and respect the will of the majority of the people.

[frankly6]

neoconRcrazy

Looks like didntinhale lacked the courage to list his convictions.

[karlimhof]

neoconRcrazy

Looks like didntinhale lacked the courage to list his convictions.


Posted by frankly6

yeah, these guys are all the same - when it comes down to saying who they really are, they disappear. keep your eyes open for his next "courageous" statement !

[jjreding-2009]

Yep, things in Iraq are proceeding swimmingly. More like drowning.

[micma-2009]

The unravelling of the Iraqi government. Ah yes, more signs of progress coming out of Iraq every day.

[infidel_us]

We should have "served the people" by taking Al-Sadr's sorry a** out when we had him. More military blunders. Whetever happened to whiskey drinking, cigar smoking generals who knew how to prosecute a war???

[ramos937]

Yes sir...McCain/Bush/Cheney/etc. find signs of progress in Iraq. Cabinet ministers loyal to the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr quite the cabinent. They are *******. The insurgents now are concentraing their operations in outlying towns outside of Bagdad. Our dead are now over 3,300. The war is costing over $5.9 Billion per week to the American taxpayer. The list goes on and on.Forgive me, I just cannot understand how these things are regarded as "signs of progress" by any sane person.

[mcvet]

We should have "served the people" by taking Al-Sadr's sorry a** out when we had him. More military blunders. Whetever happened to whiskey drinking, cigar smoking generals who knew how to prosecute a war???
Posted by Infidel_US at 02:32 PM : Apr 16, 2007
+ report abuse

Well look at the commander in chief Sparky! There was NO plan from the begining and the Defense Secretary was the BIGGEST loser of all time. Don't blame the Generals, they tried to tell the bafoons from the start that this was NUTS, the whole occupation and "Giving" these people our form of government. Sieg Heil Y'all.