Maliki’s Arabic word and waiting for Obama
I have some time today before going to Syria tonight, to write about the Arabic term used by Maliki to describe the withdraw of the American forces. aljarida’s analysis of the word he used “Al Gala’a”.
A reminder of the British troops evacuation from Iraq [although the term never used in Iraq].
What the newspaper did not said is the following:
The same word is used decades ago by the pan-Arabists independence movements to describe the evacuation of foreign armies from Arab countries. Egypt still celebrates [Eid Al Gala'a] the evacuation of the English troops on 18 June every year and Syria also celebrates [Eid Al Gala'a] on 14 April where the French troops evacuated from the country.
Sources told the newspaper about the reason behind Maliki’s change of position from pushing the public to accept the SOFA agreement, to rejecting the agreement, which is the U.S. politics and Obama’s “sure” victory in the U.S. presidential election.
the newspaper reported this:
It is a step before Obama’s arrival to the White House, surprised even the Iraqi political blocs.
I think Maliki’s bargain is to make a “better” security deal with Obama in the future.
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Layla Anwar
I agree with you on this one LB. Maliki is counting on Obama’s victory for the simple reason — IRAN is backing Obama. And you can then be sure that IRAQ will be completely handed on a silver platter to Iran in exchange for a peace with Israel. Mark my words. Oh and enjoy Syria as this latter is heading in that same direction.
Jul 14th, 2008
John Eadie
I disagree. I think that it is the other way - Maliki is having to listen to the people, and is reflecting their views. It seems to me everyone in Iraq wants the US Army out, *except* some folks aligned with Maliki. I think rather that when Sistani made his view known it was important, but also that Maliki has listened and is taking into account Iranian views, that derive in the end from Khamenie. So I think that Maliki is genuinely reflecting the official Shia religious position (as well as the views of Sunnis and everyone else). Although, he is making a mistake to believe in the strength of his own Iraqi military (Badr, etc.). But it is brilliant. The Americans are going to find it hard to keep bases in Iraq. I just pray they also fail to gain ownership of the oil! Then Iraq will truly have defeated the USA.
Layla has a point, it is correct, but making this brave decision on the calculation that Obama will win is not the main thing. It’s that everyone wants the US Army to leave, and the high importance of Sistani, and Khameni instructions.
Jul 15th, 2008
Cherise
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Turi Munthe
link is here
Jul 17th, 2008