July 16, 2004

HANDS ON LIBERALIZATION:

Allawi shot inmates in cold blood, say witnesses (Paul McGeough, July 17, 2004 , Sydney Morning Herald)

Iyad Allawi, the new Prime Minister of Iraq, pulled a pistol and executed as many as six suspected insurgents at a Baghdad police station, just days before Washington handed control of the country to his interim government, according to two people who allege they witnessed the killings.

They say the prisoners - handcuffed and blindfolded - were lined up against a wall in a courtyard adjacent to the maximum-security cell block in which they were held at the Al-Amariyah security centre, in the city's south-western suburbs.

They say Dr Allawi told onlookers the victims had each killed as many as 50 Iraqis and they "deserved worse than death".


He's new to leadership so he should be cut some slack, but Mr. Allawi needs to work on delegating better.

Posted by Orrin Judd at July 16, 2004 6:45 PM
Comments

I wouldn't necessarily believe everything I read in the SMH.

Posted by: Jeff at July 16, 2004 6:57 PM

A week ago, wasn't the buzz just that he had lopped off some hands?

Posted by: Timothy at July 16, 2004 7:13 PM

Yes Timothy and when the Iraqies heard the rumor the article said they all registered their approval.

Posted by: genecis at July 16, 2004 7:17 PM

I wonder why he shot six, and not some other number. Perhaps he would have shot more, but pity stayed his hand. "It's a pity I've run out of bullets," he said.

Posted by: Lou Gots at July 16, 2004 9:46 PM

This just in: Gen. George Washington hangs Major Andre!

Posted by: Noel at July 17, 2004 1:01 AM

So the rule of law is off and running in Iraq. The first law passed was the resumption of the death penalty and the first rule is "don't make the ruler upset."

From the Australian report, two of the witnesses were American body guards. Everyone can keep on insisting this is a ridiculous rumor until their affidavits turn up. So feel free to play in your romper room of smugness for a few more days.

Posted by: obelus at July 17, 2004 8:01 PM

obelus:

We approve if it's a fact.

Posted by: oj at July 17, 2004 9:07 PM

I approve if it's a fabrication.

Posted by: mike earl at July 18, 2004 10:27 PM
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