U.S. Should Prevent Execution of Saddam's Minister of Defense …

The American press reported last week that the White House was unhappy with the decision of Iraq Governor Paul Bremer, for dissolving the valiant Iraqi army several weeks into the occupation. Paul Bremer then responded that he had sought the advice of the White House before taking the decision. [He actually provided the media letters he had written to President Bush beforehand ].

Why are we now being forced to endure this sterile American controversy about the Iraqi Army? This is due to new information that came to light during Bush’s recent visit to Al-Anbar Province, which was provided by Bush’s host, Sheikh Sattar Abu Reesha [murdered in a bombing attack just days ago ] that shed light on the present distribution of power in Iraq. This is also part of an attempt to diminish the horrific legacy of the American Army, which inflicted such sever devastation by dissolving the Iraqi Army and forcing its members to disperse and create resistance factions.

One could have relied upon the organization of the Iraqi military to help us catch our breath and wipe off the dust of war to begin to build true political pluralism, rather than the monopoly on power now masquerading as democracy.

There are some who say that it was inexcusable and unconscionable for the American military to dissolve the Iraqi Army, which was tasked with defending the country before the occupation.

And according to many, the imminent execution of one of the most prominent symbols of the Iraqi army’s first division, former Defense Minister Sultan Hashim, was approved by the Americans, after he exchanged letters with an American general and then surrendered himself on the promise that in doing so, he would be treated fairly.

To execute a professional officer like Sultan Hashim, who achieved his position due to his professionalism and not because he was of a certain party or family, is proof either that the Americans have no intention of supporting reconciliation, or they thought think that reconciliation doesn’t involve dealing with professional Iraqi officers.

The execution of Sultan Hashim for political reasons reflects badly on the American Army, which had promised him good treatment – and then delivered him into the hands of people who oppose the institution of the Iraqi military and are intent on his execution.

The execution of a professional officer would be far from unprecedented, but it shows a kind of insistence on “executing professionalism” in the Iraqi military. It’s a clear sign that things are rapidly heading into the abyss. This is the course encouraged by Iraqi political officials who are the losers of the game, and who hope that by working toward a complete collapse, they ensure their continued presence on the chessboard …