Ihsan

6 comment(s):

• one of the problems is-- there are several resistance movements in Iraq at this time-- some such as this, and others quite nefarious-- and who tend to attack other Iraqis instead of the occupying forces... So, in the end, very grey, in my opinion.
  
  

  By  Leila M., at 12/17/2004 10:22:00 AM  

• Leila,
  
  What you call a problem is the actual strength of the resistance. Given the disparity of military might between the occupiers and the resisters, the resistance has better chances of survival this way. A unified resistance is easier to crush than the splinter groups.
  
  Undoubtedly these groups employ means that go beyond pale, and their members may include some real unsavory characters. But when the occupation is employing means that kill en masse, condemning such groups for their retaliation is useless.
  
  I heard from a lot of people lament the killings of iraqi police and national guard by these groups without consideration that The iraqi "officials" are an extension of the US occupation force and are viewed by other iraqi as traitors. No doubt they are killed. How do you think the US military would deal with a traitor in their ranks?
  
  The bottomline is that the occupation is illegal and the resistance is legitimate(even Rumsfeld acknowledged that).
  
  

  By  Jafar, at 12/17/2004 11:28:00 AM  

• Salaam Alaikum Jafar
  
  I find those definitions solid when it comes to the general sense of legitimacy, however, there is also a very big elephant in the room.
  
  Some of the horrible problems created by the US invasion are the very cause of the fighting between Iraqi groups-- in effect, contributing to the splinters. That doesn't in any way legitimize actions which are reprehensible, such as Margaret Hassan's murder, widespread suspicion between Iraqis, and the sectarian strife we are beginning to see. My husband was in Iraq this summer after an absense of 13 years, and he was completely harrowed at what he witnessed as the results of both the sanctions and the invasion. A friend's brother was recently picked up by some members of one "resistance" party because he last name was Musawi-- and he was slaughtered. Sorry, but I find that sickening. While I have no romantic notions about people, I think it's interesting to also note the demands made by many of these groups-- aside from the very legitimate demand that the forces leave the country-- many other demands go along the lines of "give us this seat or that seat-- appoint someone from OUR region to THIS post" etc. Tribalism along tribal, ethnic, and sectarian lines is becoming very pronounced now. It may be argued that this division is fostered by the US, and it would be a good point-- but in the end, many Iraqis are falling for it-- hook, line, and sinker.
  
  

  By  Leila M., at 12/17/2004 12:04:00 PM  

• Leila,
  
  I don't disagree with you about the nature of the resistance. And unless they get organized and have a purpose beyond the departure of the US troops, they could potentially consume the whole country.
  
  On a side note, according to these two links Margaret Hassan may very well be alive.
  
  http://www.themercury.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=2330926
  
  http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,11559814%255E401,00.html
  
  I am still hopeful that she's alive.
  
  

  By  Jafar, at 12/17/2004 02:06:00 PM  

• There are of-course legitimate concerns about aspects of the Iraqi resistence - and good to point out. But I'd also want to take a look at what our role is living in the United States. With regards to Iraq, and really the kind of militarism that the US is engaged in at this time. While there is a possible increase in divisions within Iraq... "Our" job here is to work towards ending this occupation - so long as the US remains there - i don't think there is any question that the conditions will get very much worse.
  
  The question is what exactly are we to do here?
  
  

  By  redwood, at 12/18/2004 01:05:00 AM  

• whatever each is willing to do, I suppose? Protesting is a start, writing letters, etc. Now, the sad item is this-- what difference, if any, has it made so far? I think many are afraid of being detained if they do, or getting a Federal visit, etc... When I was in Denver, we passed out fliers for marches, meetings, etc-- and always the numbers of Muslims were.... miniscule, to be honest. What's going on? I'm not too sure...
  
  

  By  Leila M., at 12/18/2004 09:10:00 AM  

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