AQI/The Islamic State of Iraq are officially claiming “credit” for the murder of Sheik Abu Risha. From the American perspective, they’re the folks you want to be behind it. All the other possibilities – tribal rivals; Shiite factions; Iranian spies; neo-Baathists – were worm-can-openers. The last thing Iraq needs now is one more war to go with all the others.
Note: Yes, AQI could be lying for reasons of its own. And Rishawi’s allies may believe it’s someone else anyway. But the confession by AQI may keep tribal leaders from tapping Iraq’s abundant Strategic Paranoia Reserve.
Comment by hf —
September 15, 2007 @ 9:07 pm
No snappy title? Feh.
Comment by Jim Henley —
September 15, 2007 @ 9:17 pm
I forgot!
Comment by anodyne —
September 16, 2007 @ 12:35 am
“But the confession by AQI may keep tribal leaders from tapping Iraq’s abundant Strategic Paranoia Reserve.”
Wouldn’t you expect that tribal leaders and some of our intel and military people will figure out who was really behind this assasination (if they haven’t already)? If it wasn’t AQI, then wouldn’t you expect someone to use that information to tap into the SPR eventually?
From an American perspective … who’s paying attention and what is the likelihood that even those who are will get the information anytime soon?