Leaked Memo Reveals Plight of Iraqis
By Patrick Cockburn
The Independent UK

A leaked cable from the US embassy in Baghdad signed by the ambassador paints a grim picture of Iraq as a country disintegrating in which the real rulers are the militias, and the central government counts for nothing.

The cable, signed by the US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and sent to the State Department in Washington on 6 June, is wholly at odds with the optimistic account of developments given by President George Bush and Tony Blair in their recent visits to Iraq.

Iraqis employed by the US embassy live in fear that other Iraqis will find out who they are working for. "We have begun shredding documents printed out that show local staff surnames," the cable says. "In March a few staff approached us to ask what provisions would we make for them if we evacuate."

The US and Britain have said they would withdraw their troops as the security situation improved, though the embassy memo suggests that it was, in fact, deteriorating. Britain said yesterday that it was to pull out 170 soldiers from Muthana province in southern Iraq when the Iraqi government took over security there next month.

There are chilling details about why, even in the heavily fortified Green Zone, Iraqis employed by the US embassy are frightened. "In April, employees began reporting change in demeanour of guards at the Green Zone checkpoints," the memo says. "They seemed to be more militia-like. In some cases seemingly taunting."


http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/062006D.shtml

Iraq is in bad shape. And I know who to blame.

Moaning about it won't help.

Moaning about it won't help.

Ignoring it won't help either. Moaning and bitching about it is all we really can do as citizens. It just needs to be done en masse to have any real effect.

Iraq Today (And it ain't what the Liar-in-Chief tells you)Are you absolutely sure that what the media tells you is any more true?

Are you absolutely sure that what the media tells you is any more true?

Why do you insist on invoking that tired line???????????????????? :confused:

Moaning about it won't help.

86, Iraq is in shambles man. Moaning isn't helping, and neither is the present course of action.

Ignoring it won't help either. Moaning and bitching about it is all we really can do as citizens. It just needs to be done en masse to have any real effect.

Agree.

Why do you insist on invoking that tired line???????????????????? :confused:Because you insist on believing whatever you're told by the media, but only when it might make Bush look bad. You distort the story headlines and every thread you start has the same bias to it.

It's become redundant, and I know who to blame.

Because you insist on believing whatever you're told by the media, but only when it might make Bush look bad.

False allegation # 1

But if I did, why does it matter to you?


You distort the story headlines and every thread you start has the same bias to it.

False allegation # 2

What bias! Did you read the article? It's pretty clear cut you know. Don't let your Bush-bleedin' heart mislead you.

It's become redundant, and I know who to blame.

I know, ME! (err...uhhh... but I dunno why?:confused: :confused:). You're so predictable.

False allegation # 1

But if I did, why does it matter to you?At least you make me laugh.

False allegation # 2

What bias! Did you read the article? It's pretty clear cut you know. Don't let your Bush-bleedin' heart mislead you.
The bias you have in every thread you make. Yes I read the article. Maybe it's true, maybe not. My heart never bleeds.


I know, ME! (err...:confused: :confused:). Because I'm so predictable.Fixed that for you. Have fun, V.

At least you make me laugh.

Yeah, you make me laugh to. :D Cut the crap. Your attempt to lightening up is futile.

The bias you have in every thread you make.

What I brought to this thread is an article that can be read. Your definition of bias is apparently anything that shows Iraq for what it really is. A tragedy.

Yes I read the article.

ok. But then you stated:

Maybe it's true, maybe not.

What kinda statement is that? Either you believe what you read or you don't. So which one is it?

My heart never bleeds.

Yes, it does, red white & Bush.

What kinda statement is that? Either you believe what you read or you don't. So which one is it?I have to believe just because someone wrote an article? Hell, either one of us could write an article.

F&L, this is a good article. What's your opinion of the article (not of me, the article).

Most of this is well known. What is new, however, is the security at the green zone gate seems to be in the hands of shia militia. If nerves are frayed inside the green zone, supposedly a safe haven, then it would appear that the mood in the shia street is heading more and more towards open anti americanism. If we lose the shia, we're done!

Still it seems a strangely micro detailed memo for an embassador to be sending Rice. I would suspect it's more lower level stuff!

Most of this is well known. What is new, however, is the security at the green zone gate seems to be in the hands of shia militia. If nerves are frayed inside the green zone, supposedly a safe haven, then it would appear that the mood in the shia street is heading more and more towards open anti americanism. If we lose the shia, we're done!

Still it seems a strangely micro detailed memo for an embassador to be sending Rice. I would suspect it's more lower level stuff!

Today, on c-span they said that a state of emergency was declared in Baghdad. Insurgents were in a firefight with US forces.