Features

mburbank · #1

British Get Local Sheik to Run Basra

By PATRICK McDOWELL, Associated Press Writer

KUWAIT CITY - British forces began establishing the first post-war administration in Iraq (news - web sites) on Tuesday, putting a local sheik into power in the southern city of Basra shortly after their troops took control of the city.

The sheik was identified as a tribal leader, but his name and religious affiliation were not disclosed.

Nothing but nothing says effective, credible leadership like not letting anyone know who the leader is! If this doesn't lead to democracy I can't imagine what will.

FS · #2

I'll need confirmation that this is NOT Dick Cheney.

mburbank · #3

Anyone know who this guy is yet?

Shoud they hve announced a credible local leader before they were willing to tell anyone who he was?

kellychaos · #4

Quote:

Originally Posted by FS

I'll need confirmation that this is NOT Dick Cheney.

It's Tommy Franks in a burka!

mburbank · #5

Okay, this was funny enough when it first happened but each day it gets funnier. How long do you think the "Coalition of the Secretive" can go without naming the local leader of Basra?

I've heard of the emperor having no clothes, but no identity? What does he do, hide behnd a curtain?

kellychaos · #6

Wasn't there some exiled Iraqi nationals that the U.S. Special Forces is training to rebuild and lead? Perhaps he's among that crowd. :/

mburbank · #7

Okay, Newshounds! Anybody know who this guy is yet?

Ninjavenom · #8

The war is over?

BombsBurstingInAir · #9

Relax Banks, the military is not concerened with how fast you think you should get information. I doubt it is a George W conspiracy or anything. Probably just some dude to calm things down a bit for now and help restore some services. Kinda like what kelly said.

mburbank · #10

You missunderstand me, bombs. Im not personally concerned with who this Sheik is at all.

It's just, the British announced his existence about a week ago. They didn't say he was the guy who would lead, they said he was the regional leader. How CAN he be if it's a secret who he is? Who is he leading? How is he doing it? Why would you annpunce there was such a person before you were even within a week of saying who he was? I don't think it's a conspiracy at all. I think it's a screw up, I think the Britts didn't get permission from us and I think we'll very quietly nver hear about this again.

Mostly I think it's funny. "Be secure! We have re-established representative order. You'll have to trust us though, becuase we can't tell you who he is."