There are two interesting stories from Iraq today that makes you just shake your head. The most recent one is the arrest warrants for former Iraqi Governing Council Member and one time heir apparatent to lead Iraq Ahmad Chalibi and his nephew, Salem. Now it's not a suprise that Mr. Chalibi was nabbed since there is substantial evidence that he is a thief, but what is truly shocking is that his nephew who happens to be heading the special tribunal charged with trying Saddam Hussien has an arrest warrant out of...murder?
Okay, so this guy is trying to try one of the worst dictators and mass murderers and he himself is charged with murder? Was there anyone in the US vetting these guys?
The second story, is the fact that Iyad Allawi interim Iraqi prime minister, decided to shut down the Bagdhad bureau of Al-Jazeera because they incite violence and gave a bad image of Iraq.
Come again?
Listen, I have mix-views of Al Jezeera and do think at times they might be a bit biased, but in a democracy, you don't shut down a press operation simply because the show news you don't like. If the interim government has a problem with Al-Jezeera, then they should demand an interview or give interviews with other networks.
If this is what Mideast Democracy looks like, then God help Iraq.
Posted by Dennis at August 8, 2004 06:15 PMLawrence of Arabia commented on the Arab World. They will fight between themselves over any cause, but give them a common enemy and they will forget their fight and band together to fight the common enemy. Welcome to Arab Democracy. This will only get worse. May Allah save them all.
Posted by: Bob Faust at August 8, 2004 06:50 PM