Regarding the US veto on releasing the Iraqi woman scientist to free the UK hostage,


"I'm not sure how this 30th June "transfer of sovereignty" in Iraq works.There is no Iraqi army or police force, so obviously the "coalition" forces can't leave otherwise there would be anarchy (remember Afghanistan in the 1990's) Therefore the ultimate power is in the hands of the "coalition" forces. So if the "sovereign" authority wants to do something which the US disagrees with, what happens?"

18th April 2004.

As with so much about this fasco, the mess it has become goes so far beyond any worst case scenario.

Have you heard the news. This US/UK thing is dangerous. This is all goinng to need very careful handling. See earlier post.

This hostage situation has taken a strange turn. If both US men are now dead, how does the US feel about releasing the Iraqi woman now, ("Mrs Germ" - purleeze!) and what will their reaction be if the UK guy is then released?

I heard this afternoon that Abu al-Zaquawi, who is widely believed to be behind the murders of foreigners in Iraq, arrived in Iraq in October/November 2001 from Afghanistan and was known to have had training at one of the camps in biological and chemical weapons.. If it could be proved that he was there with the knowledge and aquiescence of Saddam, this would give the connection between Saddam and "Al Qa'eda" (salafi jihadists is my preferred description) that Bush keeps alleging and therefore go some way to justify the incasion of Iraq. If he was there to fight against Saddam, then obviously the invasion was insane. Which one was it?

I've been away for a couple of weeks, so haven't had a chance to comment on the antics of the hunt fools. If they are so anti-Labour, as one must assume that they are, have they not realised what a favour they're doing Blair by showing the Tories (for of course that's what they are, and who they represent) as archaic and irrelevant?

"One of the best-selling CDs in Baghdad's market shows an Egyptian accused of working for the Americans having his head sawn off in a scruffy backyard.
The CD is professionally produced, using the latest technology. " The Guardian 21st september 2004.


"If Iraq becomes a democracy, the consequences for the rest of the Middle East would be profound. If it becomes a basket case, then people like me will owe the world an apology. " David Aaronovitch" December 20th 2003.

Is it a basket case yet? "the BEST Selling CD". There is real hatred there.