Posted on 10/06/2004 5:30:29 AM PDT by SJackson
Iraq's interim prime minister denounced in country's parliament for shaking Israeli foreign minister's hand; activist reported to being charged with treason for advocating better relations with Jewish state, asked to change family name
(KRT) BAGHDAD, Iraq — A recent series of events, including a handshake between Iraq's interim prime minister and Israel's foreign minister at last month's United Nations meetings in New York, has set off public debate over whether the Iraqi government is trying to change Iraq's long-standing enmity with Israel.
Iraqi officials deny that any changes are afoot. They say Prime Minister Iyad Allawi was merely being polite when he took the hand of Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, who was sitting next to him because countries' delegates were arranged in alphabetical order at the United Nations.
But many Iraqis are viewing developments with suspicion.
"I knew after America invaded Iraq, the first thing that would happen (is) we would have a relationship with Israel," said Mohammed Saleem, 24, a student in Baghdad. "I have nothing against having relations with the Israelis on the condition they give the Palestinians their rights and their own country."
Any warming in Iraqi-Israeli relations would be a major change in the Middle East's power equation. Saddam Hussein was widely revered in Arab nations for his anti-Israel stance.
During the Persian Gulf War, in 1991, his army fired 39 Scud missiles at Israel. Before he was toppled he sent money to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers. The Israelis bombed Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981, fearing that Saddam would use it to develop nuclear weapons.
(Excerpt) Read more at jewishworldreview.com ...
So much hate...
This world is so screwed.
"...on the condition they give the palistinians their..." Mr. Saleem, be happy you were'nt nuked in 1991 when you your leader was flinging Scuds at the Israel your're speaking about.
It only looks that way.
. . . Saddam Hussein was widely revered in Arab nations for his anti-Israel stance.
That's just sad and pathetic that they think that way....
This is just the kind of discussion Iraq, and all Arabs, need to have. My estimation of Allawi just increased. And he seems to be sensitive about the way he's moving forward. Sounds wise.
...And we'd better hurry!
...Okay, I realize I might sound like I'm a little too affected by my Minnesota "Little House on the Prairie" syndrome roots, but I think I'm right here.
Would you shake hands with someone who wouldn't?
I wouldn't.
Until then, it is a question of logistics...can we kill them faster than they can breed more terrorists!
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Wasn't public expression of hatred for Jews banned in Germany during the Allied occupation? It seems we're behind in reeducating the Iraqis.
Perhaps the Iraqis can take the first step and compensate Iraqi Jews and/or their descendants for the land and property Hussein and company basically stole from them over the past 40-50 years, property stolen from families that had roots in Iraq, in some cases, stretching back centuries.
bump
The Orkin Man comes to mind..
Where is this 'Palistine' they keep talking about?
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