Powell Warns Iran: Don’t Mess with Iraq

The US-led multinational force had announced a short while ago that militants from Iran were infiltrating into Iraq. That announcement promoted Iraqi Defense Minister Hazim Saalan to accuse the Tehran administration of sending enemies to Iraq and supporting terrorism. Saalan labeled Iran as the new Iraq’s first enemy. In relation to this, Iraqi Interim President Ghazi Al-Yawar said yesterday that Iraq views the US as a strategic partner. As a development, the US reportedly lifted the embargo on Iraq that had been in place since the invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

In addition to meeting with Al-Yawar yesterday, Powell also met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Berham Salih and several other officials. Powell informed the Iraqi statesmen that US would more quickly disburse the money earmarked for Iraq’s restructuring.

About the interim government in Iraq, Powell said that the US is determined to continue to cooperate with this government as long as Iraq continues to strive towards establishing a democracy based on freedom and human rights.

Sadr and Sunni Leaders Reject "Muslim Force"

Meanwhile, Radical Shiite leader Muqtada Al-Sadr and some Sunni leaders made known their objection to the "Muslim Force" being discussed by Powell and Saudi officials. Sadr touched on the issue during his Friday sermon. "I call upon all the countries that want to help Iraq: Do not send forces. If these forces come to Iraq, they will be treated as partners of occupying forces."

Sunni religious leader Sheikh Ihsan Al-Duri said in Fallujah, "These kinds of forces could have served before the occupation, but not now."

Mahdi Sumayday, imam of Baghdad’s Ibn Taymiya Mosque, added, "We don’t want an Arab or Muslim force that will be a shield for occupiers because we don’t want to witness Muslims killing each other."