Iraq: October 16, 2004

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 Lots of activity, most of it somewhat confusing, in and around Fallujah. The tribal chiefs, who largely depend on negotiation and mediation, are having a hard time restraining many of their followers. The foreign terrorists who have taken up residence in Fallujah have acted high and mighty, and holier than thou, and this has not gone down well with the locals. There have also been incidents of violence, when Iraqis refuse to comply with demands from terrorists (who believe they are leading the fight against the "foreign invaders" and the Iraqis should be grateful.) Over a dozen terrorists and Iraqis have been killed in these confrontations, and only the intervention of tribal chiefs and religious leaders has averted an all out war. While most Fallujah residents would like to see Saddam Hussein, or someone like him (a Sunni Arab), back in power, they have just about had it with Jordanian Abu Musab al Zarqawi and his foreign suicide bombers, especially since these maniacs seem to kill more Iraqis than foreigners.  Some of the religious leaders in Fallujah, who tend to be conservative, agree with al Zarqawi's call for an Islamic republic. This has made Islamic conservatives suspect as well, as they appear to be allies of "the foreigners" (al Zarqawi's foreigners in this case, not the Americans.) But the most telling sign on anti-terrorist sentiment in Fallujah is the growing number of tips from people inside the city, providing accurate information on where the al Zarqawi followers are staying. This has led to a growing number of smart bomb attacks, and a growing number of dead terrorists.  

 

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