Perspective: Beyond Baghdad, Beyond ‘the Surge,’ War Still Simmers
Police in Samarra
SAMARRA, Iraq --The letter from Al Qaeda in Iraq to the members of the local police was clear.
Come to the mosque and swear allegiance on the Koran to Al Qaeda, the letter warned, or you will die and your family will be slaughtered. Also, bring $1,200.
It had the desired effect on American efforts to build an Iraqi security force here.
Nearly a third of the local police force went to the mosque, paid the money and pledged their allegiance. Another third was killed. By late October, only 34 local police officers were left to try to maintain order in this city of 100,000.
Read the rest at the NY Times
SAMARRA, Iraq --The letter from Al Qaeda in Iraq to the members of the local police was clear.
Come to the mosque and swear allegiance on the Koran to Al Qaeda, the letter warned, or you will die and your family will be slaughtered. Also, bring $1,200.
It had the desired effect on American efforts to build an Iraqi security force here.
Nearly a third of the local police force went to the mosque, paid the money and pledged their allegiance. Another third was killed. By late October, only 34 local police officers were left to try to maintain order in this city of 100,000.
Read the rest at the NY Times
posted by iraqnam at 2:27 PM
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