SwiftVets.com

SBD · Admiral Joined: 19 Aug 2004 Posts: 1022

PRO-U.S. MAYOR HAS TARGET ON HIS BACK

By JOSH WILLIAMS

BAGHDAD — The man replacing the mayor of Baghdad — who was assassinated for his pro-American loyalties — says he is not worried about his ties to Washington.

In fact, he'd like to erect a monument to honor President Bush in the middle of the city.

"We will build a statue for Bush," said Ali Fadel, the former provincial council chairman. "He is the symbol of freedom."

Fadel's predecessor, Ali al-Haidari, was gunned down Jan. 4 when militants opened fire on his armor-covered BMW as it traveled with a three-car convoy.

Fadel said he received numerous threats on his life as the council chairman, and expects to get many more in his new post.

"My life is cheap," Fadel said. "Everything is cheap for my country."

As Iraq prepared for a volatile election that is being watched across the world, Fadel heaped praise on the United States.

Fadel acknowledged that many in his country appear ungrateful for America's foreign assistance. He said most Iraqis are still in "shock" over the changes, and need time to adjust.

Any public monument to Bush is likely to further incense terrorist forces, who have attacked American troops and their supporters for months.

Fadel said he is undaunted.

"We have a lot of work and we are especially grateful to the soldiers of the U.S.A. for freeing our country of tyranny," Fadel said.

As for his own protection, the new mayor will be traveling in a new $150,000 SUV complete with bulletproof windows and flat-resistant tires

SBD

Uisguex Jack · Rear Admiral Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 613

I'd rather see a statue honoring the U.S. armed forces delivery of liberty.
Sort of like some of the statues down at 'the Wall' in D.C.

One of the more gripping scenes of the election for me yesterday was a shot of a IED being detonated and you can see a U. S. Soldier grabbing a kid about three feet tall and running him to cover. That's what it's all about for me.

Compared with the Footage of French soldiers I saw from the Ivory Coast a month back, it is a very different picture of who it is on this earth who really does help those in need.

Doc Farmer · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 2:19 pm Post subject:

GenrXr · Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 3:16 pm Post subject: