Allawi Hints at a ‘Final Blow’ in Felluce

While at the European Union (EU) summit in Belgium, Allawi said yesterday, "We are determined to make the people in Fallujah free, and to bring law and order to the city. I hope that resisters in Fallujah seize their weapons; otherwise, we will bring them justice." He added that the window for a peaceful settlement was about to close.

Allawi wants a stable Fallujah for the January elections. The city is also considered a key to ending major resistance within Iraq. The government, with US assistance, is now ready to launch "the largest operation."

The American army reported that preparations for operations in Fallujah were mainly complete. At least 10,000 American soldiers are deployed around the city and the evacuation of civilians continues.