Quote:
Originally posted by octothorp+Aug 4 2004, 04:19 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (octothorp @ Aug 4 2004, 04:19 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Cowperson@Aug 4 2004, 02:35 PM
An example of how the USA has reversed course on its purge of former Saddam loyalists and is now incorporating them into the new Iraq
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Doesn't sound like a Saddam loyalist--escaped from the country in 1995, was threatened by the secret service, and was not a member of the Ba'ath party. Plus, he seems to be strongly in favour of Bush and the defeat of Hussein.
Anyway, really interesting article. I don't agree with all of his opinions, but he's probably the sort of practical but proud leadership Iraq needs to move forward. You can't have leaders that are American puppets or they'll lose the people's support, but you need leaders who understand the need to work with Americans, and don't harbour any sort of religious grudges. [/b][/quote]
"Saddam loyalist" was an overstatement on my part. Although you couldn't be anything remotely close to being a "Saddam dissident" to get into the position he held.
I agree with his premise the Americans eventually, but sooner rather than later, need to withdraw their physical presence from the city. They should be near at hand to provide muscle as its needed but not a source of antagonism . . . . or targets.
I agreed with pretty much everything he said in terms of his evaluation and outlook.
Cowperson