Suspected fighters vent frustrations (won't lay down arms)

[leftchick]

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/723EDB4B-6F81-46C0-8AA8-99B286F6CCE8.htm

~snip~

When dozens of suspected fighters showed up for a so-called peace conference in Baquba on Tuesday, they told the governor sponsoring it why they would not lay down their weapons ahead of elections.


Midnight raids by US and Iraqi forces that rudely awaken women and children in the conservative Arab country were
unacceptable.

Arbitrary arrests and unemployment were driving more men,
young and old, to the insurgency.

When the suspected guerrillas and their sympathisers were
handed an oath of non-violence, few asked "where do I sign"?

~swnip~

"I will not sign because if I sign I will have to stick to it," said Ahmad al-Obaidi, who said he was accused of being a fighter, and hinted that he actually was.

[leftchick]

1. Some raids from today...

these poor people... :(

[yinkaafrica]

2. What the hell do those soldiers think they are accomplishing?

Were Americans always so fucked up?

[NYC]

3. Some Iraqis speak English.

How much more terrifying it must be for those who don't. Terrible situation.