Top Iraqi (Maliki's) adviser urges US 'U-turn'

[IChing]

Source: ABC NEWS

One of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's top advisers has urged Washington to lead a policy "U-turn" in Iraq and recognise that military force will fail to stem the bloodshed.

"The time has come for the United States to take the lead, actually, in doing a U-turn," Ali Allawi said.

"By that I mean there has to be a recognition that the military solution is insufficient, that the political resolution of domestic Iraqi groups is impossible if you don't relate it to the loss or gain of power and the security interests of nearby countries."

Mr Allawi is in Washington to promote the US publication of his book, The Occupation of Iraq: Winning the War, Losing the Peace.

The former finance, defence and trade minister, who is the cousin of Iraq's former prime minister Ayad Allawi, suggested an "international congress", possibly led by Washington, should be called to discuss possible solutions to his country's crisis.

Read more: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1893192.htm

[uppityperson]

1. When they ask us to leave, we will go, eh? Or is it when they stand up we'll stand down? or...

[saigon68]

2. He is a puppet

[yava]

3. Saigon: puppet of?

[Kagemusha]

6. By my reading, of Iran.

That part about considering the security of other countries - and he's an advisor to the Shiite head hancho... that would suggest he's hinting heavily that Iran's needs must be considered too. If someone disagrees, feel free to say so.

[yava]

11. could be but...

that would be a little too obvious. I think he may be thinking of Saudi's who are both on the US and the insurgent side. Remember the King's words last week. Any way seems could be both, without mentioning Turkey and the Kurds where it has been heating up. My point is, may be he is not a puppet, though he does promote his book in the US these days!

[Kagemusha]

12. Well on closer look I see that this "advisor" is Allawi...

I wasn't reading closely the first time. (It happens when I wake up on the wrong side of the bed.) This guy's not a puppet. I accept that. He's a manipulator. He does seem to suggest speaking to Iran, but that doesn't make him Iran's puppet in my eyes - he's too much of a self-serving man of ambition for that. He's suggesting speaking to Iran to enhance his own political position. He's still in the reserves in case he's called up to serve as Iraq's PM after all...

[yava]

13. Kagemusha

Also doesn't fit into the Mulah culture. See this: <http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070410/481/87ad35ec49cc46a69e9bb92e3ec10456>

[Kagemusha]

14. Yeah, but that in no way makes him a good guy or on our side.

He's keeping his name in the papers as a candidate for appointed (cough) office.

[saigon68]

9. Iran

[ryanmuegge]

4. Am I the only one who thinks the quote in the third paragraph is contradictory?

Either that, or it flat out doesn't make any sense. I can't decide.

[Kagemusha]

7. Means you have to talk to the Sunnis, to Syria, to Iran

I'm basing that on the context of the political situation he's speaking of. (i.e. I've heard people say these things about the subject before.)

[rodeodance]

5. but George is whispering into Maliki's other ear!

[Supersedeas]

8. Where is Condi....where is the political/diplomatic effort?????

[IChing]

10. Condi is going to Iraq as we speak

she heard that there were good deals on Rugs.

[Javaman]

15. Those should look lovely with her shoes. nt