Baghdad looting frightens Arab leaders

World Net Daily ^ | April 17 2003

[GrandMoM]

Lots of things are keeping Arab leaders from getting a good night's sleep these days. But what troubles them most is the looting of the homes of leaders of the regime of Saddam Hussein.

The reason: Arab leaders are thinking that their people might be getting similar ideas.

Western diplomatic sources said the leaders are concerned that the looting in Baghdad is being done under the noses of U.S. forces. They said the word has gone out among Iraqis that the United States does not mind the looting of the homes of Saddam and his aides.

"The most frightening thing is that this is happening in Baghdad, the center of Arab repression," a diplomat said. "If looters can get away with this in Baghdad, why should anybody fear the governments in other parts of the Arab world?"

Some pro-U.S. Arab leaders have relayed their alarm to Washington. Officials in such countries as Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are demanding that U.S. forces stop the looting and chaos in Baghdad before it spreads throughout the region.

The worst fears are in Saudi Arabia, whose leaders live as opulently as those in the Saddam regime. The kingdom has increased security and officials honestly believe that the Iraqi looters are being directed by the United States.

The result is that Arab dictatorships are being pressed to announce reform programs. Even the despotic regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad is expected to announce a Cabinet shakeup as part of a new domestic policy.

[GrandMoM]

"If looters can get away with this in Baghdad, why should anybody fear the governments in other parts of the Arab world?" ....got em running scared!!

[JennysCool]

Arab leaders are thinking that their people might be getting similar ideas.

Sounds like that whole "Off with their heads!" thing has the Overlords a little bit worried, eh?

[joesnuffy]

Come mullas and immans Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your peasants and your vassles
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

[Overtaxed]

I am just shocked that muslims would steal from their fellow muslims. NOT!

[ChemistCat]

Wow, "Let them Eat Cake" isn't any more popular in the Middle East than it was in France.

[GrandMoM]

Some pro-U.S. Arab leaders have relayed their alarm to Washington.....let's hope Washington has a deaf ear!

[GrandMoM]

YES....Your peasants and your vassles Are beyond your command

[dts32041]

No the Arab leaders aren't afraid for their palaces, they are afraid of their museums being ripped off, at least that is what I think after seeing a 500 item post covering the "looting" of the Baghdad municipal museum and pool hall.

[GrandMoM]

Gottem shakin in their boots!!!!

[Diogenesis]

It is all BS. They know Saddam has the artifacts.
We know they know. They know we know.

Just one more attempt to deter the USA from crushing terrorism.

[Gorjus]

The result is that Arab dictatorships are being pressed to announce reform programs.

The results of Bush's strong stance are going to change the world as fundamentally as Gorbachev's decision not to squash the reform movements in the old Soviet bloc. The reports of North Korea backing down, and Iran considering reforms, and all the other derivatives would convince anyone with any sense that the policy of determined strength is great for peace, great for human rights, and great for us.

Not that I expect it to have any effect on 'liberal' socialists, of course. As I said, it requires at least a little rationality.

[xm177e2]

Even the despotic regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad is expected to announce a Cabinet shakeup as part of a new domestic policy.

This would be a big bonus, the first domino of the war with Iraq, if Syria moved towards a more open and free government.

[lainie]

Gee, what's all the fuss? If they're scared, I'm sure these guys will help them out.

[JeepInMazar]

good

[GrandMoM]

....eradicate these dregs!!!!

[goodnesswins]

What they are really scared of is the US MILITARY and MIGHT - because that's what causes everyday Arabs to start to question the status quo of those in power in the regions.

[GrandMoM]

....they underestimated the awesom power of the US MILITARY !

[Right_in_Virginia]

The worst fears are in Saudi Arabia, whose leaders live as opulently as those in the Saddam regime.

This has got to be causing some major lower intestinal distress. At least they'll get some good use out of those gold faucets!! ~~ LOL!!

[schaketo]

Now that the war in Iraq is over, a lot of people want President Bush to focus on the economy. You know who really wants Bush to focus on the economy? Syria.

[GrandMoM]

. You know who really wants Bush to focus on the economy? Syria.

....I would say about 99% of the middle east!