U.S. should talk directly to Iraqi resistance

 

By Fatih Abdulsalam

 

Azzaman, May 27, 2006

 

There is no shame in talking to the Iraqi resistance and if the U.S. is doing it, it should not be ashamed of its action.

 

But the reality of the situation says the U.S. thinks it embarrassing to talk to Iraqi resistance groups directly, therefore it relies on third parties.

 

A lot has leaked related to these indirect talks. But no one can firmly say whether such talks did really take place.

 

There are rumors of letters being exchanged as part of the dialogue.

 

But on close inspection, it surmised that nothing of the sort has taken place. Evidence the daily military operations which have continued unabated.

 

Iraqis wonder why a country like the U.S. thinks it embarrassing to publicly confirm or deny contacts with Iraqi resistance fighters.

 

Our sources say that most if not all resistance groups are unanimous that if there is a dialogue it should be directly conducted with Washington which holds the reins of power in the country.

 

From media reports, we gather that the U.S. does not object to talking to the rebels.

 

Then why does not the American side administer the talks directly?

 

Some might say talking directly to ‘terrorists and Saddamists’ will undermine U.S. authority and show that it has no face-saving formula left to deal with the resistance.

 

But what ‘face-saving’ are you talking about. In the Iraqi turmoil almost everyone has lost face.

 

There is also the issue of whether the U.S. will heed Iraqi resistance demands for a ceasefire and timetable for leaving the country.

 

Some say meeting those demands will be tantamount to “cut and run” and the U.S. is not willing to do that.

 

But the experience of the past three years has shown that the U.S. has failed to rectify the Iraqi political scene and the government it protects is too weak to govern and withstand resistance attacks.

 

So, the Iraqi government is losing to the resistance. Washington cannot win the fight. Then, is it not logical for the U.S. to take the initiative?

 

I understand how complex the situation has become. But at the same time it is my conviction that dialogue is the only remaining option to save the country.