Fallujah Gets a Pass
The BBC is reporting that the U.S. is going to be easing up a bit in Fallujah.
Of course, this is a 'deal.'
In exchange for:
The Iraqis in Fallujah must "turn in all illegal weapons."
He[U.S. spokesman Dan Senor] said the US would not resume offensive operations "if all persons inside the city turn in the heavy weapons". "Individual violators will be dealt with on individual basis," Mr Senor said.
At this juncture, collectively punishing the Iraqi people for the actions of the few that committed the atrocity of the killing and subsequent display of the four U.S. contractors is absurd. It will do nothing more than cause others to pick up arms against the coalition forces.
Dealing with individuals on a case by case basis is the only rational way to proceed. As far as the Iraqis in Fallujah giving up their 'illegal' arms, I don't know how that will play out. It seems a rather grand scheme for a city under siege. I'm sure the Iraqis - at least some of them - feel that their weapons are the only things keeping them from the grave.
We'll have to wait and see how the next few days play out. The U.S. needs to exercise patience here. I fear patience is in short supply.
Of course, this is a 'deal.'
In exchange for:
- Better access to local hospitals so the wounded could be treated, as well as for retrieving and burying bodies
- Amnesty for people who hand in their weapons
- Easy access for ambulances
- Shortening the curfew by two hours
- Regular joint patrols between US forces and local Iraqis
- Reforming police and the Iraqi defense corps - which will be able to take over and pledge to eliminate "foreign fighters, criminals and drug users in Falluja", said Mr Senor.
The Iraqis in Fallujah must "turn in all illegal weapons."
He[U.S. spokesman Dan Senor] said the US would not resume offensive operations "if all persons inside the city turn in the heavy weapons". "Individual violators will be dealt with on individual basis," Mr Senor said.
At this juncture, collectively punishing the Iraqi people for the actions of the few that committed the atrocity of the killing and subsequent display of the four U.S. contractors is absurd. It will do nothing more than cause others to pick up arms against the coalition forces.
Dealing with individuals on a case by case basis is the only rational way to proceed. As far as the Iraqis in Fallujah giving up their 'illegal' arms, I don't know how that will play out. It seems a rather grand scheme for a city under siege. I'm sure the Iraqis - at least some of them - feel that their weapons are the only things keeping them from the grave.
We'll have to wait and see how the next few days play out. The U.S. needs to exercise patience here. I fear patience is in short supply.
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