Power Line: March 2005 Archives

Power Line: March 2005 Archives

Terrorists Want Out?



Liberals were, by and large, surprised when socialism collapsed in Russia and throughout Europe fifteen years ago. (Of course, to be fair, that might be because they were relying on the CIA's rosy reports on conditions in the Soviet Union.) Likewise, I think, liberals will be surprised, and in some instances disappointed, as the Iraq "insurgency" winds down much faster than is now expected.



We're a day late on this, but if you haven't already seen it, check out the Financial Times' "Iraq's insurgents ‘seek exit strategy:'"



Sharif Ali Bin al-Hussein, who heads Iraq's main monarchist movement and is in contact with guerrilla leaders, said many insurgents including former officials of the ruling Ba'ath party, army officers, and Islamists have been searching for a way to end their campaign against US troops and Iraqi government forces since the January 30 election.



Insurgent leaders fear coming out into the open to talk for fear of being targeted by US military or Iraqi security forces' raids, he said.



Heh.



Sharif Ali said the success of Iraq's elections dealt the insurgents a demoralising blow, prompting them to consider the need to enter the political process.



For an illustration of why "insurgents" are increasingly afraid to come out of hiding, see Blackfive's post, including after action report, on a recent encounter between a handful of American MPs and a considerably larger group of heavily-armed terrorists who attacked a convoy.



The terrorists had handcuffs, apparently intending to take hostages for later beheading, and a video camera to document their exploit for Arabic television. But things didn't turn out quite as planned. You can link to the terrorists' video off Blackfive, too; it was recovered after the gun battle. The guy who shot it isn't going to win any prizes for cinematography, and it ends just as the armored humvees show up, signalling the beginning of the gun battle. Still, it's pretty interesting.



Call me an optimist, but I think events in Iraq are moving rapidly toward a happier and more peaceful future.



UPDATE: Austin Bay adds more, including the observation that if the Sunni insurgents want to come in from the cold, their "get out of jail free" card could be turning in Zarqawi.