Talking with the Enemy

TIME reports on talks between the U.S. and Iraqi insurgents.

What do the insurgents want? Top insurgent field commanders and negotiators informed TIME that the rebels have told diplomats and military officers that they support a secular democracy in Iraq but resent the prospect of a government run by exiles who fled to Iran and the West during Saddam's regime. The insurgents also seek a guaranteed timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal, a demand the U.S. refuses. But there are some hints of compromise: insurgent negotiators have told their U.S. counterparts they would accept a U.N. peacekeeping force as the U.S. troop presence recedes. Insurgent representative Abu Mohammed says the nationalists would even tolerate U.S. bases on Iraqi soil. "We don't mind if the invader becomes a guest," he says, suggesting a situation akin to the U.S. military presence in Germany and Japan.

This is so fiiting. I have always said that with W, today's friend is tomorrow's enemy and vice versa. The "insurgents' may be offering the best option for W. He doesn't want someone associated with Iran either. He would rather deal with a Baathist - hell we supported Saddam in hiw war against Iran (remember Rummy and saddam shaking hands like ong lost buddies). Hey the insuragents have been targeting Shiir=tes lately more than our troops. A brokered deal? I wouldn't put anything past W.