July 14, 2004
THEIR FIGHT NOW:
Iraq police take on crime with 527 arrests (Ian Fisher, July 14, 2004, NY Times)
Flexing its new muscles without American help, the new Iraqi government on Tuesday conducted a major sweep of common criminals in central Baghdad, arresting what officials said were 527 people suspected of crimes ranging from kidnapping to murder.Posted by Orrin Judd at July 14, 2004 8:27 AMSafety is the major concern of Iraqis, and many complain that the American military had been less concerned with ordinary crimes, which have skyrocketed, than with bombings and terror attacks.
The raids Tuesday seemed intended to show that the new interim government, which took power from American occupation forces here two weeks ago, would not only move forcefully against everyday violence, but would be capable of doing so alone.
‘‘There was no coordination with the Americans in these arrests,’’ said Sabah Kadhim, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. ‘‘This was done totally by Iraqis.’’
If only the FEC would do the same.
Posted by: David Cohen at July 14, 2004 9:08 AMI was thinking the same thing when I saw "527 arrests." November can't come too soon.
Obviously this is proof of a nascent fascist regime determined to exploit the workers and crush the freedom-loving terrorists.
Posted by: Peter B at July 14, 2004 7:18 PM