U.S., Iraqis differ on immunity(US wants immunity for foreign contractors)

[Robbien]

BAGHDAD - In an early test of its imminent sovereignty, Iraq's new government has been resisting a U.S. demand that thousands of foreign contractors here be granted immunity from Iraqi law, in the same way that U.S. military forces are now immune, according to Iraqi sources.

The U.S. proposal, although not widely known, has touched a nerve with some nationalist-minded Iraqis already chafing under the 14-month-old U.S.-led occupation. If accepted by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, it would put the highly visible U.S. foreign contractors in a special legal category, not subject to military justice and beyond the reach of Iraq's justice system.

The U.S. request, confirmed Sunday by Allawi's office, is one of a number of delicate issues revolving around government authority that will confront the incoming U.S. ambassador, John Negroponte, when Allawi's interim government recovers formal sovereignty June 30.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/world/8917022.htm?1c

[gratuitous]

1. Full sovereignty, baby!

That means that the thugs and the goons who have been shooting up and torturing Iraqi citizens are liable to Iraq's justice.

Are they fully sovereign or aren't they, Lil George?

[David__77]

2. We will see Allawi the puppet, or not?

If he gives in on this matter formally or in substance, then he will surely be totally repudiated by the Iraqi people. Why would they give immunity to any foreigner in the country from the nation's laws.

This reminds me of the imperialists in China carving out special "no dogs or Chinese" niches within that country. Disgusting...

[mallard]

4. Re: no goats or Iraqis

That's EXACTLY what could be read on the sign at the Shek-O Country Club on Hong Kong Island up until the mid-70's - unbelievable.

Agreed: the meaning of this decision will not be lost on the Iraqis.

[Tellurian]

3. The new Iraq gov needs to begin on a level playing field..

and not cave into US demands- I suppose, they could suggest Indy Contractors be subject to the ICC as a deal breaker.


"The U.S. proposal, although not widely known, has touched a nerve with some nationalist-minded Iraqis already chafing under the 14-month-old U.S.-led occupation. If accepted by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, it would put the highly visible U.S. foreign contractors in a special legal category, not subject to military justice and beyond the reach of Iraq's justice system."

Fagetaboutit!

"No one is above the Law. Not even a president"..per H.Hyde

[Cocoa]

5. is it a "demand" or a "proposal"

or a "request?"

Each of the first three paragraphs uses a different term.

[Robbien]

8. Since these independant contractors include the Carlyle Group

and Oliver North, I would have to say "demand" is the operative word. The Carlyle Group doesn't mess around with wishy washy words such as propose or request.

[FreakinDJ]

6. More like if they speak out against it

There will be more shootings of Iraq's so called Government officials.

I'll go on record here saying that any member of the newly formed government that publicly speaks out against this proposal will be shot by "Insurgents"

[jamesinca]

9. I agree whole heartedly with you on this

I believe that if PM Allawi gives into the U.S. on this he will be killed or have attempts made on his life. If he goes against the U.S. he may be killed or just replaced, reassigned or something. Personally Mr. Allawi, it sucks to be you. I hope you are right with your god and have all your affairs in order because July 1 I think you will be dead.

[TahitiNut]

7. Heavy-handed spin and biased reporting.

Just take a look and consider the phrase "some nationalist-minded Iraqis." Now, just what does "nationalist-minded" mean? What's that supposed to convey? When these people are already called "Iraqis," a term that identifies them as citizens of a nation, of what imaginary journalistic value is the term "nationalist-minded"? Is this supposed to imply that there are "Iraqis" who aren't inclined to think of Iraq as a nation? No, I suggest that this term is inserted to foment bias on the part of the reader - a bias against those who might have the temerity to resist the Imperial Occupation Force. After all, nothing must stand in the way of the Holy Capitalist Empire!

This kind of propaganda has become so infernally ubiquitous in the media it's almost silly to even point it out. Even as we become accustomed to this abuse of language, our own perspectives change as well.

[struggle4progress]

10. Who thinks foreign contractors in the US should have immunity?

I'm seeing some hands from a few of Dubya's off-shore buddies.

Anybody else ... ?

Hmmmmm ... What a tough call!

[DulceDecorum]

11. I say we hire the A Team

and have them go "interrogate" all those "contractors."

Ten thousand per head and total immunity.