(Note to literalists: the Watched column presently contains only a smattering of 'warblogs' because the facilitator of the template-change--Dr. Menlo--is not very familiar with them, and will be adding more as they are sent to him. Also, this blog may contain areas of allusion, satire, subtext, context and possibly even a dash of the surreal: wannabe lit-crits beware.)
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WARBLOGGER WATCH
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
In a letter to the Oman Observer, Mohammed Ali Ramadhan of Al Suwaiq writes:
Jordan’s Prince Hassan bin Talal’s offer to play a coordinating role in the political reconstruction of Iraq appears very reasonable. After all, he is familiar with the nature of Arab politics, much more than any White House appointee can claim to know. Having been schooled in the finer points of Arab diplomacy, and the cultural and political sensibilities of the region, Prince Hassan is perhaps ideally suited for the job as interim administrator in Baghdad on behalf of the United Nations. In fact, by appointing an Arab leader with such distinguished credentials, the US and Britain can still hope to win the “hearts and minds” of Iraqis, and of Arabs in general.
Great idea, Mohammed! Thanks for writing! Sadly, though, it is doubtful that this arrangement will work out. The US appears to have decided that a convicted criminal who hasn’t lived in Iraq since 1958 is a much better choice for the position. However, Mohammed, you can perhaps take some relief in knowing that Mr. Chalabi does have a Jordanian connection- - -that’s where he was convicted!