Posted on 03/07/2009 6:09:11 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
BAGHDAD (AFP) – Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called on all Iraqis on Saturday to unite aboard what he called a "love boat" in a stirring appeal for reconciliation in the war-torn nation.
"The security in Iraq has settled down at a level that allowed the leaders of the tribes to come from everywhere," Maliki told a conference of Sunni and Shiite tribal figures in the capital.
"National reconciliation has become a principle that we depend on ... I invite everyone to stay in the boat of national reconciliation, the boat of fraternity, love, justice and equality that will lead us to the shore of safety," he said.
The prime minister, a Shiite, has issued repeated calls for unity in the US-occupied country, but rarely using such colourful language.
"This conference is the message of national unity for all sides," Maliki said, adding that he wanted to send out a "message of reconciliation for those who boycotted Iraq, because of the sectarian problems."
Security has improved dramatically since sectarian violence between Shiites and Sunnis peaked in late 2007, although bombings remain a daily occurrence nationwide.
In a Friday call for national unity Maliki urged the country to forgive members of the former regime of executed dictator Saddam Hussein.
"We have to reconcile with those who were during a period time forced to work in those difficult times," he told a meeting of only Shiite tribes.
"We must open a new phase and gather all our energy and unify our words until no gap remains for our enemies to infiltrate us."
Shiites, while a majority in Iraq, were severely repressed by Saddam's regime.
Amid criticism from rivals, Maliki has moved to create councils_that support his Rule_of Law Coalition and that helped lift his allies to a resounding win in January's provincial elections.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
I wonder if the Christians will be welcomed. Somehow I think not.
George Bush and our troops are totally responsible for the victory in Iraq but neither will get an ounce of credit for it.
When Øbama finally pulls all the troops out, long after the battle was won, he will bask in the adulation of the media and the rest of his corrupt party as the one who saved Iraq.
The history book are already being written to reflect this.
There’s an old saying about France which could very well portray the thinking about Iraq by the left in this country.
“France has learned nothing and forgotten everything”
>Credit former President Bush and the troops that Prime Minister Maliki has a shot at reconciliation.
*nod* - Ssometimes I think Pr Bush would be more appriciated/embraced if he moved to Iraq... then I remember how it was in my time there and that the news reported is NOT the reality.
“‘Board the Love Boat’? Mr. President, that’s my line.”
Credit former President Bush and the troops that Prime Minister Maliki has a shot at reconciliation.
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Double down dittos! God bless the USA and the Iraqis
who crave freedom from oppression and tyranny.
And then when al Qaeda and the Mehdi Army stop blowing things up, there just is no news reported from Iraq.
We're finishing the reconstruction now and focusing on training. It's so calm that these things are progressing rapidly.
After that, it's up to Iraq to stand on its own...and they're well on their way to that.
Thank you President Bush and coalition forces.
And FUBO.
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