| FrontPageMag.com | Articles By Robert Spencer | Articles By Hugh Fitzgerald | Books | Islam 101 | Qur'an Blog | Robert Spencer Bio |  |
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
A glimpse at how the sectarian conflict in Iraq will widen upon the departure of US troops, siphoning off money, arms, and personnel that jihadists could otherwise employ against nonbelievers. "Iraqi Shias angry at Saudi remark on Sunnis," from AFP:
BAGHDAD - Iraq’s Shiite leaders on Thursday said they were angered by a Saudi Arabian official saying that Riyadh would support the violence-wracked country’s Sunni Arabs in the event of a US pullout.
Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki said: “We will not countenance any language interfering in Iraq on the pretext of defending sects.”
Saudi security expert Nawaf Obaid wrote in Wednesday’s Washington Post that withdrawal of US forces could see Saudi Arabia giving Iraq’s Sunnis funds, arms and supplies to counter Teheran’s alleged support for Iraqi Shiite militias.
Obaid is managing director of the Riyadh-based Saudi National Security Assessment Project and also the private security and energy adviser to the Saudi ambassador to the US, Prince Turki Al Faisal.
If the United States leaves, Obaid wrote, “one of the first consequences will be massive Saudi intervention to stop Iranian-backed Shiite militias from butchering Iraqi Sunnis”.
In the southern holy city of Najaf, Mohammed Al Juburi, secretary general of the Shiite Fadhila party, reacted angrily to the article, saying: “This is a sectarian and un-Islamic statement.”
“We reject any interference in Iraq’s affairs, whether from Saudi Arabia or Iran,” he added.
Teheran is regularly accused of aiding militias linked to Iraq’s powerful Shiite politicians in the ongoing sectarian conflict with the members of the minority Sunni Arab community.
Sheikh Abdel Hadhi Al Daraji, an aide of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr, called for an intervention by Riyadh by way of seeking a timetable for the withdrawal of US-led coalition troops from Iraq.
“We advise Saudi Arabia and the neighbouring countries to seriously work over the exit of the occupying forces first and to mend fences among politicians, both Shiites and Sunnis,” Daraji told AFP.
“I think the neighbouring countries, if they wanted to interfere in Iraqi affairs, such interference should be in favour of the whole nation and not one party or another,” he said.
“This is the grave mistake neighbours are making,” he added.
Obaid wrote that Saudi King Abdullah pledged to US President George W. Bush that he would not intervene, despite the rise in bloody sectarian reprisal killings between Iraq’s majority Shiites and minority Sunnis.
However, that would change if the US begins pulling its troops out, Obaid warned.
“Options now include providing Sunni military leaders... with the same types of assistance -- funding, arms and logistical support -- that Iran has been giving to Shiite armed groups for years.”
“Another possibility includes the establishment of new Sunni brigades to combat the Iranian-backed militias."
Posted by Marisol at November 30, 2006 3:02 PM
Print this entry
| Email this entry
| Digg this
| del.icio.us
|
"A glimpse at how the sectarian conflict in Iraq will widen upon the departure of US troops, siphoning off money, arms, and personnel that jihadists could otherwise employ against nonbelievers."
-- from Robert's comment above
That would be too easy. That would be too obvious. It simply cannot be considered. It wouldn't be fair. It wouldn't be right. We broke it, we fix it. We can't conceivably let Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran fight a proxy battle in Iraq. That would be wrong.
Posted by: Hugh![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jihadwatch.org/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 30, 2006 3:09 PM
There are cases where mistaken identity can be quite flattering.
Posted by: MarisolJW at November 30, 2006 3:12 PM
Hmm, a civil war within Islamania is brewing? I just hope the West lets them go at it without taking sides. Even more reason to pull the troops out.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS at November 30, 2006 3:18 PM
“We advise Saudi Arabia and the neighbouring countries to seriously work over the exit of the occupying forces first and to mend fences among politicians, both Shiites and Sunnis,” Daraji told AFP.
I think a 'struggle' within Camp Jihad would be good for the world...
I concur, our mission is over here. Bring our troops home.
Posted by: KnightHawk at November 30, 2006 3:21 PM
A civil war within the ummah would break the hearts of so many jihadists. The poor bastards-let their hearts break, along with their bones. It's about time they pick on one another and leave us alone in the meantime. Let's leave them alone to conduct their bloody business-the sooner the better. Let nobody disturb them.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS at November 30, 2006 3:25 PM
Am I the only one who would like to see Saudi and Iran kick off?
Of course the results would be terrible for your average Iraqi, worse or better than now I don't know.
Posted by: Alex at November 30, 2006 3:28 PM
The Saudi's actually have a standing army who can stop the shites? l mean they have a hard time to even contain their own little homegrown terrorists. l think the royal saudi family will be a royal flush so very soon.
Posted by: ZenaWarriorPrincess at November 30, 2006 3:29 PM
"A civil war within the ummah would break the hearts of so many jihadists"
Unlikely. Jihadists, and more largely Muslims, have a great track record in killing their fellow believers. It's their speciality - they're experts at killing their own, and rank amateurs at killing infidels by comparison.
Posted by: Alex at November 30, 2006 3:29 PM
Good thing the Saudis are Sunni-the majority. They'll need all the help they can get from those Sunnis because if the US wisely steps aside that army of theirs will finally have to do more than just look good at a parade. I just hope the US isn't stupid enough to be the mercenaries again for these losers.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS at November 30, 2006 3:33 PM
IFL said: I just hope the US isn't stupid enough to be the mercenaries again for these losers.
The US might well be, despite all we know about Wahabi Islam.
After all James Baker seems to be back in favor, and he and his friends gave us the wonderful 'containment' doctrine which lead us to precisely where we are now...
Posted by: Alex at November 30, 2006 3:36 PM
Alex-
Yeah, you're right. Besides, those monsters have no hearts anyway. And you're not the only one wanting to see a Saudi vs Iran battle royale. This might spike oil prices but if these two cesspoolian titans can batter each other bloody it might be worth it.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS at November 30, 2006 3:37 PM
"A glimpse at how the sectarian conflict in Iraq will widen upon the departure of US troops, siphoning off money, arms, and personnel that jihadists could otherwise employ against nonbelievers."
Made my day......... :)
Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I will listen to the 1812 Overture ....
and relax with a big smile on my face....
at November 30, 2006 3:43 PM
If the US pulls out, the radicals will feed on themselves. Keep them busy for a few years turning the MEeast into a scrapyard.
Posted by: sounder at November 30, 2006 3:50 PM
From the Talmud:
"The work of the righteous is done by others."
nuff said
Posted by: Ynkedoodl2 at November 30, 2006 3:51 PM
But what do the Sunnis think of Obaid's comments? We can't assume that Maliki speaks for them as well.
And which sides are the Kurds on?
Posted by: Infidel Pride at November 30, 2006 4:06 PM
”To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.”
- Sun Tzu
at November 30, 2006 4:07 PM
Both sides will undoubtedly blame the jooze as they savage one another. No problem.
Posted by: Infidel33 at November 30, 2006 4:11 PM
Am I the only one who would like to see Saudi and Iran kick off?
[...]
Posted by: Alex
Are you ready for some Football?
Posted by: germaninamerica at November 30, 2006 4:15 PM
Okay, so maybe Dubya was a dimwit, but you know, this might work out very well in the end. In fact, I'm getting more optimistic by the day.
Saudi Arabia (and Sunni affiliates)
vs.
Iran (and Sunni affiliates)
way better than the World Cup even with Brazil vs. Argentina.
WAY BETTER!
Posted by: Ynkedoodl2 at November 30, 2006 4:18 PM
Let them collectively bleed for once. The cost of war is so expensive now that Saudi Arabia and Iran would soon be basket cases. They wouldn't be able to afford all those mosques they are building all over the world Billions would flow back to the West which would mean more jobs. They would have to liquidate their assets in the West at fire sale prices to pay for their war. The price of oil might go down, as both sides tried to pump as much as possible to pay for there war. Israel would be safe for a few more years Iran would not dare to bomb Israel as an Israeli retaliation would make sure that the Saudis won. Hezbollah and Hamas would be starved of funds, and what is more important would be able to sort out these dens of vipers quietly while the worlds attention was else ware. To me these seems like a win win situation.
Posted by: Holger Dansker at November 30, 2006 4:27 PM
I'm all for this battle. With one provision. let's make sure it is covered with embeded reporters. NY Times, LA Times, Washington Compost (just had to use that, Ollie North just said it)
AND for half time performance Rosi O and Barbara Striesdan.
Is it Monday night yet?
Posted by: auntbea at November 30, 2006 4:43 PM
Yes, agreed, if the U.S. leaves Saudi-Wahabbi funds will be drawn down to fight other Muslims rather than us. Time to leave. Maybe keep Iran busy too.
Posted by: Abby at November 30, 2006 4:47 PM
DIVIDE AND CONQUER.One of the things I always heard after 911 is we can't take on the whole Islamic World.This is one of the ways we can. To divide them,sowing conflict and infighting among them, splitting the ummah in two.The two halves can be sub divided more by Arab against African,Arab against Berber,Arab against Kurd.This is a golden opportunity.
Posted by: RED at November 30, 2006 4:52 PM
So far, so good. That secret Jewish plot to rule the world that nobody knows about is working according to plan. Muslim vs Muslim-delightful.
Nobody tell the Muslims about that secret Jewish plot, OK? They might call the whole thing off if they know they're being manipulated.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS at November 30, 2006 5:10 PM
So what are we waiting for. Time to pull out and watch the atrocities unfold on a massive scale. Muslim on Muslim violence: truly a victimless crime .
Posted by: Abu Allah at November 30, 2006 5:28 PM
Remember these two sects of islam have been at odds for a long time so no surprise at the reaction...the saudi royal family were the ones who stopped us in the first gulf war from marching into Baghdad unopposed (the force displacement made it a would-be cakewalk at the time).
The saudis wanted to teach saddam a lesson in '91, not kill him off...they're more afraid of the iranians than saddam (and they were right...to a point, although we resented the hell out of being stopped).
The saudis are having a hard enough time maintaining their "empire from within" as 70% of the populace there would bring them down in a heartbeat if they could...only to be replaced by the worst-case version of an al-qaeda caliphate.
Although I'd heasitate to simply allow them to duke it out, it certainly entertains a very interesting scenario possibility.
If it does play out, as I echoed the sentiments of the Israelis during the Iran-Iraq conflict:
I wish them all a long and healthy war.
But that's wishful thinking...there are many other cards that need play out before such a possibility comes about. Among them, Lebanon, Syria, and the Arabian penninsula.
Ok, getting ahead of myself...but I'll leave that open for now as it warrants address from the others here...
;-)
Posted by: jcom972 at November 30, 2006 5:40 PM
I've been getting bummed out reading Jihad Watch since commenting herein a couple of weeks ago.
But damn allah, THIS IS GREAT NEWS!
Happy days are here again!! Just like when Iran and Iraq were doing the world a favor to eachother.
Just imagine, it's amazing to just think about it.
"Saudi" Arabia sony boys vs. the Iranian shits.
Bring it on, baby!! Let the games begin!
Posted by: Lance at November 30, 2006 5:53 PM
”To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.”
- Sun Tzu
Posted by: limes
Correct! We all should read some Sun Tzu to understand why pulling out makes so much sense. Shia and Sunni hatred runs deep. Nothing like a internal religious war which is even worse then your normal religious war. Each one trying to be the "real" follower of the prophet. Iraq will be like a light for bugs just that they go in and don't come out. It will not just be a civil war in Iraq between Shias and Sunnis but will draw Saudia Arabia, most Arabian states, Iran and perhaps Egypt into the fray. It will cause Syria to break up or have a civil war on their own because no way are the 70% sunni population going to side with Iran. Heck it will even cause divisions between Sunni/Shiites in Lebanon and the pali lands and even Turkey might get involved. The combinations of conflict are endless: arab vs. kurd, persion vs. arab, turk vs. all, sunni vs. shia, little warlords fighting each other...etc, etc........
The best part is Mecca will be up and in play.
The real battle....who controls Mecca...controls Islam!!!!
at November 30, 2006 6:00 PM
Saudi Arabia vs. Iran: great idea but could we postpone the festivities until I get the 5,000 gallon gas storage tank installed in my back yard?
Posted by: USBeast at November 30, 2006 6:27 PM
Well beast...
...based on current newsspeak, you have until June. :-)
Posted by: jcom972 at November 30, 2006 6:44 PM
I am waxing nostalgic for the good old days - 1980-1988 - Iran/Iraq war.
USBeast - good point, the price of gas would rise tremendously, but I would love every minute of it. A small price to pay... very small indeed..
Posted by: BunrattyBill at November 30, 2006 8:14 PM
"Well beast...
...based on current newsspeak, you have until June. :-)"
Damn! I'm still remodelling the kitchen.
Seriously; watching the Sunnis and Shiites chop each others' heads off would be great family entertainment if a large part of the world's oil supply did not depend on stability in that godforsaken sand-box.
Should such a conflict occur, the oil thirsty world would not just stand back and enjoy the fun. China has a huge dog in this hunt and so does India. Russia would smile at an apoplectic EU and say: "Bend over."
Meanwhile in the land of the free and the home of the brave we'll be arguing with movie stars over drilling off Malibu, scaring some caribou and wondering who to sue.
Air up your bicycle tires.
Posted by: USBeast at November 30, 2006 8:16 PM
Si'ites angry with Sunni's?
Why they slaughter each other like vermin.
Civilised....Muslims? By 6th Century standards, maybe, but by Western standards absolutely not.
US troops OUT! UK troops OUT!
Let those "enlightened" Saudi's take the reigns and wallow in it.
at November 30, 2006 8:33 PM
Hmm, a civil war within Islamania is brewing? I just hope the West lets them go at it without taking sides. Even more reason to pull the troops out.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS
I second that! Sounds good to me!!!
Posted by: Bonniea at November 30, 2006 8:57 PM
I get so confused- who are the good terrorists and who are the bad ones again? Sunnis? Shi'ites? Can't keep them straight. http://sacredscoop.com
Posted by: CottShop at November 30, 2006 9:00 PM
The Saudi military is largely a jobs program to help reduce unemployment. It is not a coherent military force. And "Saudi logistics" is an oxymoron.
And what side are the Kurds on? Their own. If we are going to do anything in Iraq, we shuld be supporting the Kurds.
Posted by: jay at November 30, 2006 9:00 PM
Saudi Arabia (and Sunni affiliates)
vs.
Iran (and Sunni affiliates)
way better than the World Cup even with Brazil vs. Argentina.
WAY BETTER!
Posted by: Ynkedoodle
Yeah Baby Yeah! I wonder if the MSM will have embeds so we can watch it on TV. Al Jazeera could finally come in handy.
OT: Keith Ellison has refused to be sworn in on the Bible and instead will only accept the Koran. Is this legal? If Al Qaeda is going to attack anybody, should be the state of Minnesota who voted that asshole in office.
Posted by: Bonniea at November 30, 2006 9:06 PM
Let the muslims kill each other - who cares ????
Posted by: ImNoDhimmi at November 30, 2006 9:47 PM
Why do I not get a religion get out of jail free card. My religion is trampled on daily. My religion is not adhered to enough to promote violence. Islam needs respect for others, period! I want this cesspool of religion cleaned up when I get back.
Posted by: zooboomafoo at November 30, 2006 9:49 PM
OT: Keith Ellison has refused to be sworn in on the Bible and instead will only accept the Koran. Is this legal? If Al Qaeda is going to attack anybody, should be the state of Minnesota who voted that asshole in office.
Posted by: Bonniea at November 30, 2006 09:06 PM
Now now, I don't want that to happen to the Caliphate of Minnesota. Despite the fact that there are indeed many idiots here some of us are not thrilled. Right now I think he'll do more damage as an Anarchist than as a Muslim, so only us fools in the Caliphate will suffer. However, he might get "Ahmadnijedized" or whatever the hell that A-Nut called it last week and go nuts on his cultist principles in the future. Let's hope not for the state of the nation.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS at November 30, 2006 10:17 PM
Bonniea- Yes, unfortunately it is legal- I got in a big arguement over on freerepublic blog & found out that unfortunately those running for office can swear in on anythign they like- They no longer have to promise the citizens of this country that they will uphold the constitution under penalty of breaking their promise to the God of this world! In fact, they don't even have to make an oath anymore- they can simply 'affirm' that they understand their obligations to the country.
We've so trivialized God in this country that it no longer matters if anyone in office breaks their promise- they think that because nothing happens to htem right away, that they 'got away with it' But wouldn't they be some stinkin surprised if God struck them dead the second they broke their word to Him like He did to annaniaes (sp?) http://sacredscoop.com
Posted by: CottShop at November 30, 2006 10:23 PM
Why do I get the feeling that if "The Battle of the Century" takes place to crown the most pious Muslim sect the West will be tripping all over itself to end it? I can just see it now-pictures of dead women and children, severed heads everywhere, houses burning. CNN and all the other al-Jazeera affiliates will spout their righteous indignation at how the West made it all happen and now it must end it because these people deserve better and that it's the responsibility of the West to help them. Then the aid will flow-food, medicine, money,etc. The Urine Nations will take time out from its busy "Let's piss all over Israel" schedule to mediate the conflict. When the orgy of bloodletting finally ends the Muslim world will give thanks by uniting again and make hunting infidels all over the world its favorite sport once again. Yet again Islam will survive to create mayhem in the world thanks to the latest blatant stupidity of the West. Somebody please tell me I'm mistaken here, but deep down I doubt that I am.
Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS at November 30, 2006 11:17 PM
I doubt you are wrong, Except i would truly call it the " War to end all Wars "
Posted by: DUGGY at November 30, 2006 11:52 PM
Who really cares what a few intellectuals say? The reality is that while they spout their pontifications about the real meaning of islam a significant portion of muslims either support or are active in mayhem and violence in the of islam and a significant number of mainstream islamic leaders call for the destruction fo israel and the spread of sharia.
Posted by: pacwaters at December 1, 2006 10:34 PM
Hmm, a civil war within Islamania is brewing? I just hope the West lets them go at it without taking sides. Even more reason to pull the troops out. Posted by: ISLAMSFORLOSERS
I agree with your sentiment, however you overlook the FACTOID that the administration is at the beck and call of the Saudis Cheney got marching orders from the Saudi's or choose your own news source Cheney Summoned to Saudi Arabia or What the Saudis want the Saudis get.
at December 1, 2006 11:56 PM
(Note: The Comments section is provided in the interests of free speech only. It is mostly unmoderated, but comments that are off-topic, offensive, slanderous, or otherwise annoying stand a chance of being deleted. The fact that any comment remains on the site IN NO WAY constitutes an endorsement by Jihad Watch or Dhimmi Watch, or by Robert Spencer or any other Jihad Watch or Dhimmi Watch writer, of any view expressed, fact alleged, or link provided in that comment.)