Anyone "surprised" by Bush puppet Allawi "announcing his candidacy?"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6717129/



BAGHDAD, Iraq - Campaigning in Iraq’s first national elections since Saddam Hussein’s ouster began Wednesday under the shadow of a rampant insurgency, with interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi announcing his candidacy and the defense minister accusing Iranian and Syrian agents of aiding the militants.

Surrounded by supporters in tribal garb, clerical turbans and smart suits, Allawi announced Wednesday that he will stand at the polls backed by a 240-member list of candidates meant to highlight his appeal to Iraq’s diverse and sometimes fractious ethnic and religious groups.

The U.S.-backed prime minister pledged to work for national unity and move away from “religious and ethnic fanaticism” if elected on Jan. 30.

“By depending on God, and with a firm determination and based on strong confidence in the abilities of our people, we are capable of confronting the difficulties and challenges and of making a bright future for our honorable people,” Allawi said.