Anger at UN chief's Iraq comments (Iraqis are worse off than under Saddam)

[sabra]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6206480.stm

Anger at UN chief's Iraq comments

Iraq's national security adviser says he is shocked by UN head Kofi Annan's suggestion that the average Iraqi is worse off than under Saddam Hussein.
Mouwaffaq al-Rubaie also accused the UN of shying away from its responsibility towards the Iraqi people.

The UN secretary general, who leaves office after 10 years on 31 December, told the BBC that the situation in Iraq was now "much worse" than a civil war.

He also expressed his sadness at being unable to prevent the invasion in 2003.

...

Mr Rubaie rejected Mr Annan's comments, asking: "Doesn't Kofi Annan differentiate between the mass killing of Iraqis by the security and intelligence apparatus of Saddam Hussein and the present indiscriminate killings of civilians, Iraqi civilians, by the al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq?"

[soothsayer]

1. lol, al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq! As if they were needed, what with

civil war and all.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. Mr Rubaie should be ashamed of himself for using al-Qaeda as such a blanket term

If it's to cover every single militant, despite religious faction or national affiliation, then every person who's participated in this war is "al-Qaeda."

[LynnTheDem]

3. Gotta stop that TRUTH & REALITY!

Iraqis are worse off now than they ever were under Saddam Hussein.

A simple, tragic FACT.

[wtmusic]

4. Dead is dead

But to be fair and balanced, we should ask the liberated dead and the Saddam-dead.

[habitual]

5. a non-argument to an issue

'Mr Rubaie rejected Mr Annan's comments, asking: "Doesn't Kofi Annan differentiate between the mass killing of Iraqis by the security and intelligence apparatus of Saddam Hussein and the present indiscriminate killings of civilians, Iraqi civilians, by the al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq?"'

How does that respond to the argument that an average Iraqi is worse off now than under Saddam?? It doesn't at all. And it is an embarassment to even pose an argument of such little merit. Playing to those 31% that can be so easily programmed i suppose.

[Robbien]

6. Postings on Iraqi internet

Ghazaliya – Baghdad:
Urgent. The residents of Ghazaliya are in urgent need for medical supplies. The situation in Ghazaliya is dreadful, and the need for first aid supplies is pressing. The nearest hospital to the district is the Al-Noor Hospital in the Shu’la district, and no Sunni who enters there returns alive. Please contact any organisation that can provide Ghazaliya’s residents with necessary supplies. Residents have opened a makeshift health centre but we are in need for supplies.

Ghazaliya:
Many mortar shells have been falling on the Ghazaliya and Kafa’at districts non-stop. People are appealing for help. Will anyone come to our rescue? There are three blindfolded, handcuffed bodies lying on the street of the Dar Al-Hikma School, near the Mansour grove. No one can go near them and people say not even the police can come because they are allied with the rats. Only the Americans can enter.

M.H.D:
Dear brothers, Please inform us on how the Shia pray because this will save many from being killed during interrogation after they are abducted.

Norway:
Response to the brother who asked how the Shia pray. With the usual Iqama and Edhan add the phrase “I am witness that Ali is the guardian of Allah,” but not as part of the Edhan used by the Prophet. This is the opinion of the majority of Shia clerics, including the Sadrists. The Shia also regard the Basmalla a part of any Sura … I personally prefer the Fatiha instead of the Tasbihat, but the majority of Shia read Tasbihat.

Ahmed Baghdadi – Baghdad Al-Jedida:
Dear brothers, Please use this forum as our means to post information. Verify the information before you post it, and please do not waste time on other websites. Every district and neighbourhood should cooperate 24 hours. Young computer users, this is your mission. Be an early surveillance centre for your neighbourhoods and circulate the information with others. When using cell phones, keep your information coded and as simple as possible. Now is the time for us to stand together. God be with you in defending our country.

Baghdad:
We heard that there is a bus in Qadisiya, Yarmouk and Jami’a districts with the occupants abducting people according to their I.D., taking them to unknown destinations. Please inform us about the model, number plates, colour, or any other identifiable signs on the bus.

http://healingiraq.blogspot.com/

Yes, things where better before.

[Ms. Clio]

8. that is just an incredible link

riveting and horrifying reading.

More:

Abdul Rahman – Iraq:
For the brothers who have not used weapons before, please take this advice:
1- Check your weapon if you have not used it before. You can ask your neighbour to teach you how to attach the magazine and to load and fire. Do not be ashamed that it would be said you don’t know how to use a weapon, as many people have not had a chance to.
2- Choose the appropriate spot on your roof that can provide you with cover and make it hard for the enemy to target you.
3- It is best if every two families gather in one house when the alarm of an attack is raised to keep spirits high.
4- When you shoot, try to make it intermittent so you do not waste your ammunition. Be patient until more fighters arrive and your neighbours start shooting too.
5- You may feel fear upon using a weapon for the first time or that something bad would happen to you, but think of your family and what awaits them if you are hesitant. Keep your honour and your children in front of your eye, and remember that they have burnt children with kerosene.
6- Make sure that you have an extra magazine because in the midst of action you may take away your weapon and forget your extra magazine. It is preferred that you tape two magazines together. Ask your neighbours how to do that. Practice with it several times.
7- Fear of using weapons will disappear with the first shot. Do not hesitate to pull the trigger and concentrate on hitting the enemy.

[xultar]

7. Truth hurts like a BEEOTCH!

[JoFerret]

9. Surely a self-evident truth

Being alive under a repressive regime is better than being dead (IMO).

[Pachamama]

10. So, Mr. Rubaie is mad that Kofi Annan had the audacity to speak the truth?

:eyes:

[Canuckistanian]

11. Sounds like Mr. Rubaie is playing by Washington rules

Denounce your enemies according to the wishes of your occupier.

Good career move.

[Amonester]

12. I have a question to that shameless puppet Mouwaffaq:

Doesn't Mouwaffaq all-Robbery differentiate between the mass killing of Iraqis by the security and intelligence apparatus of Saddam Hussein and the present indiscriminate killings of civilians, Iraqi civilians, by the Bu$h Family Evil Empire's terrorists in Iraq??

I don't expect an answer so I'll risk asking by how much his bank account must have "misteriously expanded" in the past few months (most of it from US taxpayers...)?

[IndianaGreen]

13. Mr. al-Rubaie and his family live in the safety of the Green Zone

as do all other members of the Iraqi government. Easy for him to take exception to Annan when he doesn't face the same dangers and deprivations that most Iraqis face every day.