Hidden Nook
"Because in Cyberspace, no one can hear you scream."
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Iraqi Leader Punished For Visiting Israel
[Media Source*] (Hat Tip: Israpundit, Cross Posted at Blogger News)
(Jerusalem Post) "I was interested to know how they [Israel] deal with problems and with terror. Why should we have war between Iraq and Israel? How can I forget that there is a modern state in the area which has had success in the democratic process and the economy?" [Mithal al-Alusi] explained in broken English...
"Before I went, I knew I would have a huge trouble in Baghdad, I was very sure I would lose my political position. And I was very sure that I was a target for the terrorists but these taboos should be broken, must be broken, and it is the responsibility of the leadership of both parties," he explained.
Unfortunately Al-Alusi conclusions were correct. Not only was he removed from Ahmad Chalabi's Iraqi National Congress but was fired from heading the national De-Ba'athification Commission. His son's did not fare any better, as they were assassinated outside of their home in February.
Al-Alusi has not given up hope despite all that has happened to him, and although he may be regarded as a man "ahead of his time," he envision an Iraq with diplomatic ties not only with Israel but with Turkey, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Al-Alusi visited Israel in order to expand his viewpoint on a state long regarded in the Arab world as "the enemy." It seems though after all that he has lost, Al-Alusi shows no regrets towards his decision.
Despite his countless losses, Alusi says his trip to Israel was the right decision, and he'd do it all over again. "Many people told me in Baghdad, you have done a very good step, but this is not the right time," he said. "This is an important step and it is the right time. If not now, when is the right time?"
Many Iraqi's have secretly showed support towards his visit to Israel, confessing contacts with Jews ranging from business relationships towards friendly neighbors, with one confessing a crush on an Iraqi Jewish girl. One thing he knows is that Iraq already has influenced the "tempo" of the middle east by being the first to embrace democracy and shun terror. Al-Alusi realizes that the best way to fight this terror is to recognize Israel as an ally against insurgents such as Hezbollah, and to join forces politically as well as logistically in defeating their common foe.
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By Darnell Clayton ⢠2:19 AM ⢠Email Post ⢠â¢
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