Iraqis concerned about possible US withdrawal

Baghdad, 23 May 2007 (Gulf News)

The majority of Iraqis were once in favour of American troops withdrawing, but the situation now seems to be changing with residents in Baghdad growing concerned about the aftermath of a possible US withdrawal in September.

Saleh Ahmad, who works at a carpentry shop in Baghdad, told Gulf News, "I was waiting eagerly for American forces to withdraw, but now my neighbours and I are growing increasingly concerned about this matter."

Ahmad added, "We can imagine an excess in blood and corpses in the streets if they pull back the forces."

Many Iraqis believe that seeing the American occupation change from a curse to a blessing, is in order to convince Iraq to retain permanent American military bases as an alternative solution to an early withdrawal.

Faten Ali, a secondary schoolteacher, told Gulf News, "In light of sectarian tensions and the frailty of the Iraqi government as seen in political and security situations, I believe Baghdad will be a scene of fighting, kidnapping, looting and revenge between criminal gangs."

What Iraqis need is a provisional and effective military force to prevent internal fighting, especially in light of weaknesses seen in the Iraqi forces.

Divisions

In the mixed Shiite and Sunni neighbourhood of Al Bai'aa, the eruption of internal clashes between gunmen from the two sects has made it necessary for Iraqi and American troops to be present in the area.

Abi Thamir who lives in the neighbourhood said, "We have lived through a frightening sectarian situation over the past days to the extent that we were pleading with the Americans to rescue the neighbourhood."

"The Americans did not ask the Sunni and Shiite extremists to fight one another. The defect is from us and there is no need to blame others for what is taking place here," he added.

Many Iraqi families have decided to leave Baghdad in the coming months, if the Americans confirm that they will start withdrawing early from the country.

The Iraqi Ministry of Immigration issued a report recently that indicated the Iraqi exodus has increased by 35 per cent in the previous weeks. The report pointed out that this percentage could rise to 100 per cent.
Iraqis concerned about possible US withdrawal | Iraq Updates

For those who state that we aren't wanted..............

Have a good one!:s4:

they should be concerned, that's what they get for killing our fucking soldiers..it's nothing but a deathtrap, I open the local news every day and see that 1, 3 or 4 more 18-22 year olds have been killed in Iraq, and then to see their children have to grow up without a mother or father..for what? for another 3 years over there of dying..then what? more violence, we invade again because it becomes 'unstable' again...it's senseless..

I can think of a hell of a lot better use for 10 soldiers lives a day and that 70 million pouring into Iraq...I could sure use a college scholarship, too bad that money isn't spent domestically.

Yeah, I'll bet they are worried we are leaving. There goes all the money. Do you wonder how much those evil bastards that make up the puppet government have stolen, I'll bet each one of them has several Million stashed away. When they leave on their 2 month Vacation, they'll probably move to the south of France and never return, Boy I would sure be laughing my ass off if that happened. I'll bet they can't wait to get the fuck out. If you had a few million stashed, wouldn't you rather move to another country and set up shop, hell yeah.

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Originally Posted by medicinal

Yeah, I'll bet they are worried we are leaving. There goes all the money. Do you wonder how much those evil bastards that make up the puppet government have stolen, I'll bet each one of them has several Million stashed away.

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LOL...puppet government? They had a higher turnout in their elections than we do in ours.

As for the several million..........who doesn't?

Have a good one!:s4:

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Originally Posted by Psycho4Bud

LOL...puppet government? They had a higher turnout in their elections than we do in ours.

As for the several million..........who doesn't?Have a good one!:s4:

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OK, I think I should be nicer to you and you should loan me money, Just one million will do, Thanks.~LOL~

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Originally Posted by medicinal

OK, I think I should be nicer to you and you should loan me money, Just one million will do, Thanks.~LOL~

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Never know..........just wait for a lil' while and maybe then. I got $5mill IQD in a safety deposit box. You'd probably use it for some type of evil venture like backing a dem for office.......LOL

Have a good one!:s4:

Pass some my way P4B i could always use some extra beer money...Med it wouldnt surprise me if some of those bastards didnt come back from vacation i know i wouldnt go back to that shit hole if i had a ton of cash.