Friday, December 15, 2006

Distrust Fuels Homegrown Terrorism

"Public perceptions of corruption, inequity and fear are the driving force behind support to terrorist organizations.''

The curse of Afghanistan again. Actually, no. This comes from US Army Colonel, David Sutherland, trying to explain why tribals in his area of Baqouba are turning violent. From The Guardian:

"Tribal leaders and some political groups in the strife-ridden Iraqi province of Diyala are turning to terrorists and insurgents for protection rather than trust Iraqi soldiers and police, the commander of U.S. forces in that area said Friday.

"'This sort of unity only worsens the sectarian divide and encourages further violence,'' said Col. David Sutherland, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

"He said he is trying to turn that around by putting Iraqi police through more rigorous training, placing more U.S. advisers in the Iraqi army and police units and through Iraqi efforts to recruit a police and army force that better reflects the sectarian makeup of Diyala, which is about 55 percent Sunni, 30 percent Shiite and 15 percent Kurd.

"Currently the Iraqi security forces in Diyala are predominantly Shiite, Sutherland said."

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