Sometimes the level of derision with which Iraqis view their own government is truly striking.
A few days ago it was revealed that Bob Woodward’s new book, The War Within: A Secret White House History, 2006-2008, contains allegations that the United States intelligence services have been spying on Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government – most of which lives and works in the Green Zone. Iraqi officials – especially al-Maliki, have responded with apparent outrage.
This article, conspicuously authored by ‘Unknown,’ rips into the Iraqi government for its feigned outrage over these charges – calling them a ‘joke.’
The lede of the article reads:
It seems that everyone who resides in the Green Zone, those who think themselves the “iron rulers of Iraq!!” – including the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, ministers, advisers, and deputies!! – all seem to believe the new “joke” that the United States is spying on them, and especially on those who are the most dangerous! Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and the rest of the venerable pillars of government, including government spokesman, “Doctor” Ali Al-Dibagh, who declared in a statement that, “If it is true, if it is a fact, it reflects that there is no trust.” He said that Iraq “will ask for an explanation” from the United States. He did this with false pride and determination.”
Later, the author shows what he thinks these charges:
“It’s hard not to laugh. Do these people really believe this fabrication – that they are the subjects of espionage because of their importance? Do the Americans, their agents and those in their employ lie awake night and day worrying about them and their important decisions? … The United States, which doesn’t allow Maliki government officials and those who call themselves members of the “elected” Parliament to enter or leave the Green Zone until after they are licked and sniffed by the dogs of uncle Bush’s soldiers?! … While American soldiers demean them and search between their thighs? The foxes actually thought that they had become the lions!!”
Really extraordinary.
By ‘Unknown’
Translated By James Jacobson
September 7, 2008
Iraq – Iraq News Agency – Original Article (Arabic)
It seems that everyone who resides in the Green Zone, those who think themselves the “iron rulers of Iraq!!” – including the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, ministers, advisers, and deputies!! – all seem to believe the new “joke” that the United States is spying on them, and especially on those who are the most dangerous! Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and the rest of the venerable pillars of government, including government spokesman, “Doctor” Ali Al-Dibagh, who declared in a statement that, “If it is true, if it is a fact, it reflects that there is no trust.” He said that Iraq “will ask for an explanation” from the United States. He did this with false pride and determination.
The American Embassy in Baghdad said that they had no immediate comment on the report, the details of which were included in the fourth book about American President George Bush by reporter Bob Woodard, entitled The war within: A Secret White House History, 2006-2008. Ali Al-Dabagh said: “If this is true, it casts a shadow over relations between Baghdad and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other U.S. intelligence services.” The Washington Post wrote that Woodward’s book says that the spying against Iraqi Prime Minister raised concerns among some senior American officials, who wondered whether such a thing was worth the risk in light of Bush’s efforts to gain Maliki’s confidence!!
READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, along with continuing translated Iraqi coverage of the war.
Founder and Managing Editor of Worldmeets.US