AN EYE FOR AN EYE, A SHIEKH FOR YOUR SURRENDER?:

Iraqi police: Bomb kills top Sunni sheik cooperating with U.S. against al-Qaida in Iraq (Associated Press, September 13, 2007)

The most prominent figure in a U.S.-backed revolt of Sunni sheiks against al-Qaida in Iraq was killed today by a bomb planted near his home in Anbar province, 10 days after he met with President Bush, police and tribal leaders said.

Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha was leader of the Anbar Salvation Council, also known as the Anbar Awakening -- an alliance of clans backing the Iraqi government and U.S. forces.

Officials said his assassination would be a huge setback for U.S. efforts in Iraq, because it sends a message to others who are cooperating with coalition forces or thinking about cooperating against al-Qaida.

Maybe. But isn't it as likely, or moreso, that al Qaeda violence against other Sunni militants dries up their natural base of support?

Posted by Orrin Judd at September 13, 2007 10:37 AM