President Bush’s choice to succeed Saddam as president of Iraq seems to be Ahmad Chalabi, an exile since the age of 13 who is wanted for bank fraud in Jordan. Here’s the reaction of one Iraqi matron: Mr. Chalabi returned to Iraq for the first time this month, protected by 700 militiamen armed, paid and flown in by the Pentagon. :m: Peace.
There’s really not much logic at placing Ahmad Chalabi in Iraq. The only good political interest that he may present to our government are his political contacts with Lebanon, possibly to close the loop on Syria in the near future. He doesn’t enjoy a minimum of popularity in most parts of Iraq, and at the north, I’m sure he wouldn’t like to get too close to the Kurdish where some Kurdish with good memory may like to close an long due open account. OK Jay Garner would pacify the north, but still not the ideal place for Ahmad to stroll about without high security escort. He, himself doesn’t aspire for leadership but instead a backstage role, a supportive role. He will like to help in the financing, his expertise and where he knows there are mountains of money to be made. One thing is certain, we really didn’t think it was important to prepare for post Saddam Iraq, but we will regret the mess is more then certain.