Sunnis in Iraq Allied With U.S. Quitting to Rejoin Rebels

[Elmore Furth]

Source: NY Times

BAQUBA, Iraq — Members of United States-allied Awakening Councils have quit or been dismissed from their positions in significant numbers in recent months, prey to an intensive recruitment campaign by the Sunni insurgency, according to government officials, current and former members of the Awakening and insurgents.

Although there are no firm figures, security and political officials say hundreds of the well-disciplined fighters — many of whom have gained extensive knowledge about the American military — appear to have rejoined Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia. Beyond that, officials say that even many of the Awakening fighters still on the Iraqi government payroll, possibly thousands of them, covertly aid the insurgency.

The defections have been driven in part by frustration with the Shiite-led government, which Awakening members say is intent on destroying them, as well as by pressure from Al Qaeda. The exodus has accelerated since Iraq’s inconclusive parliamentary elections in March, which have left Sunnis uncertain of retaining what little political influence they have and which appear to have provided Al Qaeda new opportunities to lure back fighters.

The Awakening members’ switch in loyalties poses a new threat to Iraq’s tenuous social and political balance during the country’s ongoing political crisis and as the United States military prepares to withdraw next year.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/world/middleeast/17awakening.html?hp

[msongs]

1. in other words, the bribes have quit working and they want more money nt

[TheMadMonk]

4. More likely they're sick of being bribed to toe the line, and getting kicked...

...in the face regardless.

[saigon68]

5. The War Criminal Betrayus "Bribe Them Forever" strategy is failing

The so -called surge was really only Uncle Sugar showing up with steamer trunks of cash to pass out.

When the cash runs out Violence and THUGGERY recommence.

[Angry Dragon]

2. Bush thought it was a good idea to invade Iraq

I think it is time for the entire bush administration to go to Iraq and help them become a better country.
If it was a good idea in 2003, it is still a good idea.
He should have to put his grand ideas to the test and the best way is for him
to do it himself instead of letting others do it for him.

[dkf]

3. Are we surprised?

Sigh.

[herbm]

6. And we'll be even more unsurprised when .. I mean if.. civil war breaks out.

And it will.