How far are they to be trusted? I get the feeling they are just stalling for time.
In Muslim military history, there is a longtime tactic of using negotiations to stall for time until the conditions were favorable to attack.
In the battle of Yarmuk River, which enabled the Muslims to conquer Syria in the mid-seventh century, the Muslim army spent weeks negotiating on the battlefield with Heraclius and the Byzantine army, until a sandstorm came up. The Muslims used it as cover to attack, and wiped out the Byzantine army.
The Sunnis are a minority. If they want us to leave so they can start a civil war it doesn't sound like a good plan to me, especially as the government of Iraq will be able to count on US support at least through 08 and probably beyond.
The IRAQI military and police force, ONCE they have sufficient numbers, training, experience and equipment will neutralize the Sunnis with EXTREME prejudice if they try an uprising once the American forces have withdrawn most troops.
I also suspect that there will be a quick reaction force stationed somewhere nearby or in IRAQ even after we have completely withdrawn our troops to quell any uprising.
Me too! Trust must be earned!
Their mullahs will take up the call to repent and return to 'true' Islam when they feel it is safe to...
Which is why we must be committed to stay until the job is finished no matter what it takes..
And NOT abandon them the way we did Vietnam...
We also need to make the place safe for Christian missionaries that people are allowed to hear the other side of the story.
imo
Making demands is the Arab way of saving face. They're beginning to realize they can't win.