No problem: he promises to give up violence! But incidentally, what will Iran do for the U.S. as part of this “reconciliation effort”?
“U.S. Frees Suspect in Killing of 5 G.I.”s,” by Alissa J. Rubin and Michael R. Gordon for the New York Times, June 8 (thanks to Sr. Soph):
BAGHDAD “” The American military has released a senior Shiite insurgent said to be backed by Iran who was accused of playing a leading role in a group that killed five American soldiers in Karbala in a sophisticated attack in 2007, according to senior American and Shiite officials.
The release of the insurgent, Laith al-Khazali, a member of the militant Shiite group Asa”ib al-Haq, is part of a complex negotiation aimed at fostering political reconciliation in Iraq. It also appears to involve the release of British hostages who are being held by the organization.
“As part of a reconciliation effort between the government of Iraq and Asa”ib al-Haq, the decision has been made to release Layth Khazali,” said Lt. Col. Brian Maka, a spokesman for the American military commander here, in an e-mailed response to questions from The New York Times.
“Asa”ib al-Haq has pledged to representatives of the Iraqi prime minister to give up violence and move the group towards peaceful integration into Iraqi society,” Colonel Maka said. “An unconditional cease-fire will be undertaken by the group.” While the military statement made no reference to the hostages, two Shiite leaders said the release was the first stage of a deal that could lead to the release of British hostages who have been held since May 2007. The United States refused to confirm any link to the release of the hostages….