April 10, 2008
Posted: 03:30 PM ET
 CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer
CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer

(CNN) — By now, everyone knows about the long-standing tensions between Iraqi Shiites and Sunnis. Saddam Hussein and his fellow Sunnis ruled over the Shiites with an iron grip even though the Shiites represent about 60 percent of Iraq’s population. The Sunnis compose only 20 percent of the population, while the Kurds, who are clustered largely in the northern part of the country, represent the remaining 20 percent or so.

With the removal of Saddam Hussein, the Shiites have come to dominate Iraq, including the government. To a certain degree, there has been plenty of payback.

Many Sunnis resisted that domination. Some went into exile. Others were in the forefront in the insurgency against the U.S. military and the Iraqi government.

That was especially true in the al-Anbar province which became a hotbed of violence. The Iraqi Sunni insurgents killed a lot of Americans.

But that began to change about a year ago when the U.S. counter-insurgency strategy was implemented by General David Petraeus. Part of the strategy was to put the al-Anbar Sunnis on the U.S. government’s payroll. That worked. More than 90,000 so-called “Sons of Iraq” began to cooperate with the U.S. military.

All of which is good background in understanding this exchange on Wednesday between Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey and General Petraeus — an exchange that mentioned something I had said in The Situation Room on Tuesday.

Congressman Smith referred to this comment I had made: “A lot of people fear that as quickly as these guys switched from being enemies, insurgents, terrorists killing Americans, killing Iraqi troops, and now being on the payroll, in effect, of the U.S. government, they could flip right back very quickly if they weren’t on the payroll of the U.S. government.”

That was what I noted. A lot of experts do believe that. Smith, however, suggested that the change of heart by the Sons of Iraq was more the result of enlightened self-interest, and Petraeus agreed. “And we have reminded these newly enlightened Sunni Arabs of what they received from Al Qaeda, which was indiscriminate violence and extremist ideology that on reflection they realized,” the general said. “They’d wondered why they’d ever let these folks into their communities.”

We can only hope that Smith and Petraeus are right. Still, there’s no shortage of Iraqi experts who continue to fear that as quickly as those Sunni Iraqis began to cooperate with the U.S., they could just as quickly turn against the U.S.

Filed under: Wolf Blitzer


Obamabot08   April 10th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I guess Blitzer can not hit McCain on mixing up Shiites and Sunnis anymore since he did it himself in the first paragraph of this post.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 10th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Earth to Wolf,

Al Qaeda is SUNNI

Randy - Denver   April 10th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I ask this question instead of Could the Sunnis turn against the US.. Someone tell mhat VICTORY would look like in Iraq, when asked this very question the AGeneral answered he did not know but would know it when he saw it… with this kind of "leadership" I would not be surprised if the Sunnis did turn on the US.. and maybe on slightly more surprised if the average American soilder turned on his Generals…. (folks I AM NOT suggesting that they will or should just that there is NO leadership being shown in Iraq, no reason to stay, and no way to leave with "honor" But sometimes you have to say to hell with your honor and take the hit for what is right!.. gen Parrot said that we ahve Iraq by the jugular and cannot let go.. my thoughts are different we have the tiger by the tail and are too scared to let go.)

MJE WPG   April 10th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Wolf, In a New York minute.

Jeff, Boston MA   April 10th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Wolf-

Yes. Anyone with half a brain would realize, it is not a matter of "if", but when.

They clearly are acting for the wrong reason. Eventually, someone will offer more money, or, the money won't matter anymore. Either way, when they do decide to act against the US military, it will mark the beginning of the end.

Anyone who has a smidge of intelligence would have known this war was a terrible military move. Heck, anyone who has seen Lawrence of Arabia would have known to avoid military action in this region of the world.

Ca Native   April 10th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

With Jack Cafferty's blatantly anti-McCain piece and now your drumming up angst over "what if" scenarios… I must honestly wonder, Wolf, is CNN attempting to undermine what good news General Patreaus delivered this week about the progress in Iraq? Or should we just chalk up these articles as pandering to the typical CNN audience?

Peter   April 10th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Of course, they could turn against the U.S. just like the U.S. could turn against them by leaving them on their own to face the Shi'ites. The Sunnis, like the U.S., will do what is in their own best interests as defined by whoever is currently in charge.

Kristopher   April 10th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Your article has a serious misprint: the "Shiites represent about 60% of Iraqi's population. The Shiites compose only 20%"

Kate, Atlanta   April 10th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

The only way to keep them from turning on the US and/or the Iraq central government once we take them off of the payroll, would be to ensure that they get a fair share of the oil revenue AND local authority and control over their region. Sound like part of the Biden plan? Well, Joe is wicked smart!!

Obama/Any one but Hillary   April 10th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

On the third line you ment to say Sunni 20%

Sly in Seattle   April 10th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

very good point, Wolf.. very good point.

Matt Davis   April 10th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

"… the Shiites represent about 60 percent of Iraq’s population. The Shiites compose only 20 percent of the population…"

What?

Obama/Any one but Hillary   April 10th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

On the six line you ment to say "The Sunni compose only 20%……..

citizen_c   April 10th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Wolf,

I think you mean to say, "Shiites represent about 60 percent of Iraq’s population. The SUNNIS compose only 20 percent of the population …"

People have a hard enough time understanding these two sides.

carmen   April 10th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Wolf,
There were three factions there before the US invaded. They were stable and in control under their own sovereign government (politics aside). Now that their structure and infrastructure has been demolished, the result can only be internal civil war and strife and hostility toward the aggressor who invaded them and from those factions that were promised more than can ever be delivered. No rocket science here.

roger torstenson   April 10th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

You mean the Sunnis comprise 20% of the population.
Does anyone proofread these?

grace chu   April 10th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

did you mean the *Sunnis (instead of shiites) only compose of 20%?

TheLeftNut   April 10th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

The word of the day is "Fragile".

Frank   April 10th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Like all the other factions in Iraq, the Sunni's will cooperate with us only to the extent that, and only as long as, it serves their interests.

And therein lies the problem. Our "success" in Iraq requires the cooperation of groups whose interests are fundamentally incompatible.

That's why the administration and its military supporters can't answer the simple question "what do our troops have to do in order to come home?"

There is no answer to that, because the future of Iraq is not ours to determine. Our troops there are hostages to the intentions of those whom they defeated militarily.

That's the reason why McCain's comparison the situation in Iraq to our occupations of Japan and Korea makes no sense. We carried out those occupations on our own terms after subduing and disarming entire population.

All the surge did was put more arms in the hands of a larger number of Iraqis. That, and our bribe money, will keep them happy for a while. But it doesn't put the broken pieces of the country together again.

Barb Canada   April 10th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

I think we heard it all the other day, when it was brought up that Al Qauida was hoping to bankrupt the U.S. and watch the fall! How do we know that Iraq isn't doing the same thing, by not paying for the things they have promised, even though they obviously have the available funding with oil sales? Making an already broke Country (U.S.) pay for your Country (Iraq) would be a brilliant way to perform a take down!

Lou   April 10th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I'm confused…Do the shiites compose of 60 percent of the population as stated in the first sentence of this article…or 20 percent as stated in the second? Did you get help from McCain when you wrote this?

Debbie,NJ   April 10th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

There is another scenerio I haven't heard anyone talk about. If the US leaves, the Sunnis and Shiites would fight amongst themselves. Whosever side Iran or other neighboring countries take is their problem. My point is that they were fighting when Sadam was in power and yes innocent people were being killed too. They're fighting while we're there, they will be fighting if we leave. What is the real reason that we're still there? No WMD, they're not giving us any oil, as a matter of fact we are paying more for oil, giving them money and American lives. In debt to China because of the war. Being poisoned by China's food and toys. Just capture Ben Laden, nobody even talks about him anymore. We were told he was responsible for 9/11 and all of those deaths. Why are we really paying such a high price? The Bush administration owe us the truth. Are we there to keep Iran and other countries from having power over there at the expense of a whole generation of Americans. Somebody give us the truth.

Velle   April 10th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

When the US is handing out money, we are flush with "friends" and supporters. When the money stops or someone else pays more, we find the hard truth in our folly. Hell, MY GRANDMOTHER told me "you can't buy friends"!
Why is this fundamental truth so elusive to the US Government? Certainly there is plenty of historical evidence of this lesson? Are "We the People" to blame for placing our government in the hands of "officials" more ignorant than fifth-graders?

tom   April 10th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

I guess our leaders were not paying attention in grade school American History and the British use of Hessian mercenaries in one of the seminl points in our history.

Grif   April 10th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

.The Sunni's Hate the USA… Remember Somalia.. 97.9% Sunni Muslim… They are the same people as Iraq. But it won't do them any good, because Turkey will take the Oil Fields, in the North, and they may lose the oil in the south to Kwaite etc.. The Arabs in the Gulf wonb't stand for any take overs… So!! The rest is anyones Guess..
They're sunni's in Jordan also…

Brian - Trinidad   April 10th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Both sides are using the USA to advance their respective power objectives.As soon as they think they have it,they will turn against the USA.Just like Sadaam did after the we gave him all those weapons to help him against the Iranians.

Anonymous   April 10th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

I was just about to point that out. Yeah, the Shiites are 60 percent and 20 percent at the same time…CNN NEEDS TO PROOFREAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEVENTH GRADERS CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt from Iraq   April 10th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Iraq = 60% Shia + 20% Sunni + 20% Kurd. Come on Wolf and McCain, get it right already.

Herman LA, CA   April 10th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

What difference does it make the world is already against the U.S. Barack is the only one that can bring the world together.

Obama 08!!!

Shane   April 10th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

I like how some people think they know what's going in Iraq with your silly post. You have no idea. Your probably the suckers that voted for Bush. One person said sunni is al qaeda. What a silly comment. If a country invaded the U.S. we would all become insurgents and so-called terrorist. Let some bum decide to start living in your background. How would you feel about that? That's exactly what the U.S is doing. We don't belong there, had no right to go in, wasn't support by the rest of the world. We are the terrorist. A true patriot can call out the injustices when he sees it.

Mike   April 10th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

They will find a friend in Obama just like the Hamas have.

***AMERICAN***   April 10th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

That is why we need to come home from everywhere and let the world take care of itself. We are not the world police.

Michael, Canada   April 10th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Do you even have to aske the question, Wolf? Think bin Laden. Besides, the Sunnis were fighting the US but a few short months ago. Nobody wants the US in Iraq, especially the Sunnis.

HP Boston   April 10th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Oh we will let McOLD take care of the Iraq"problem." Ah he should live so long!

Praetorian, Fort Myers   April 10th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

It is impossible to tell. Members of either group are subject to being seduced by radical islamic fundamentalist leaders. Yes…we could find ourselves in a situation like Somalia very quickly where our soldiers (particularly if small in number) find themselves surrounded by the enemy and cut-off from rescue.

It wouid be wise not to trust anything to chance–it's dangerous ground with factions who've been warring against each other as long as recorded history.

Len, Colorado   April 10th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

carmen,

Your statement is correct. Unfortunately, some Americans will never see the truth.

Picabo, Upstate New York   April 10th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Oh, and if we want to compare Iraq with another country/region … let's go with the former country of Yugoslavia. When a strong (yet brutal) dictator was in charge, the different ethnic groups co-existed semi-peacefully. When the dictator left power, the country descended into chaos, civil war and ethnic cleansing. NATO/UN/US forces had to step in and provide peacekeeping forces. Eventually the ethnic groups ended up with their own sections of the country and the violence subsided. Eventually.

We've created the same situation in Iraq. Yippee. So much for learning from history.

therealist   April 10th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

One need only look at the Europeans for that mindless answer…

Grif   April 10th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

My apologies, it seems s they're the same all over the East side of the Gulf.
Sunni's everywhere..

US out of Iraq   April 10th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Why the US media is calling this as a violance Sunni vs Shia, Kurds vs others. This war is not a civil war, this war is not a sectarian violance, IT IS SIMPLY THAT IRAQ HAS BEEN INVADED AND PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR HOMELAND… we Americans would have done the same if Saddam forces invaded our land.CNN, please get real, stop repeating terms that Warmongers in the White House are using. You are supposed to be neutral and just report… u are a News Agency.

Toby   April 10th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Wrong. Not everyone knows about the rift between Sunnis and Shiites. In fact the old ill-tempered guy the Republicans nominated for President isn't even aware of the difference.

ITS 3AM IN THE MORNING, HILARY IS STILL LYING   April 10th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

ITS 3AM IN THE MORNING AND BILARY ARE STILL DIVIDING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND STILL DECEIVING VOTERS……

Doug Pancoast   April 10th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

It doesn't make sense that Shiites represent both 60% and 20% of Iraq's population. It's a typo. It should be Shiites represent 60% and Sunnis represent 20%. Nobody is perfect, but come on. Let's not pull a Fox News here and let's get it right the first time. That's what editors get paid for.

The Dude   April 10th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

CA Native, if you call what General Patreaus said this week as good news, then you must just love to hear bad news.

We, the people, are tired of the rhetoric and doublespeak coming from these guys. The majority of this country want to end the war, and they aren't taking any of that into consideration. Our government is supposed to be working for us, but latelely it seems like it's the other way around.

When I see General Patreaus and company, I see a bunch of crooks who are taking advantage of the American people, and our tax dollars. I felt like I was watching an episode of Rome when Patreaus was speaking.

It's time we stand up and do something about this. We are just an Oligarchy pretending to be a Republic pretending to be a Democracy.

rick   April 10th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

90,000 Sunnis getting $10 a day, thats almost $1 million a day!!! In Iraq they call this the " Splurge". Paying $ tribute to our enemies so they won't shoot at us, another great Administration policy. Whatever happened to never negotiating with terrorists?

Sudhir Malik   April 10th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

I doubt that Sunni, will trun around so easily. Basically I think Sunni's are more educated then the Shias's of Iraq. Sunni's are the natural allies of USA. They understand that their saftey is to remain with USA. Other wise 60 %'s with arms from Iran will overrun them. Further I would like to comment that Noori Malaki is not the right person in the office. He is not a politiican for example when rape of a Suuni's women came in pict. without thinking he refuse to accept it, where as for a prime minister the best answer would be "I will consituite a special committe to investigate and law will take it course". This is a standard practice adopted by Indian politician to delay any case. How can you offer a red carpet welcome for Iran's president whoes arms are killing you.

ml   April 10th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

is. Saddam Hussein and his fellow Sunnis ruled over the Shiites with an iron grip even though the Shiites represent about 60 percent of Iraq’s population. The Sunnis compose only 20 percent of the population, while the Kurds, who are clustered largely in the northern part of the country, represent the remaining 20 percent or so."

above says : 60%Shiite, 20% Sunni, 20% Kurds.
Where is the confusion?
I do not see any contradictions………

sozzi   April 10th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Mr. Blitzer, not only are the Sunni's going to turn againat the U.S., but so is the rest of the world, except Isreal & Colombia.

Biel Thich   April 10th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Wolf,
Can you see how Bush Administration is encouraging corruption by bribing the Sunni in exchange for calm in Iraq? I don’t understand how US is paying Sunni who are killing Americans and he refused to talk to Iran and Syria. American citizen don’t have job but Sunni get pay without doing anything. God Bless America.

Biel Thich

Tony   April 10th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

McCain confused who supports Al Qaeda. There are no mistakes in this article. It's just not so complicated when you know what you are talking about.

Barb   April 10th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

It is time to write your congressman! If Bush vetoes what goes to his desk then it time to override him and stop paying these people or have the Iraqies pay them not to shoot them.

Tim T.   April 10th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

War without end … Amen?

KiloWhiskey - Denver   April 10th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

No way…everyone knows how loyal the Arabs are! Say what?

Jeanne   April 10th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I thought one of our biggest terrorist threat was from Sunni's (Al Qaida). But of course any country can change, depending on leadership & circumstances. With leadership like Bush/Cheney, it's a wonder they still talk to us as it is.

Chuck in Oregon   April 10th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Wolf, with out a doubt. When we stop paying our enemy to not fight us, they will begin to do so almost immediately. In fact some segments of the Sunni are fighting us now.

Ian   April 10th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

I thought it was the surge that was the cause for the turnaround. You mean to say it's because we are paying the terrorists to stop killing us?

Danny   April 10th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

No….. Mr. Blitzer Sunnis is not turn again U.S. I think the one going to turn
again U.S is Shiites and Iranian. Another thing U.S got wrong side in the
future both Kurds, Iranian and Shiites going to again U.S.

Therese, OH   April 10th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Of course the Sons of Iraq can and will turn against us. We are only buying their cooperation with our money, which will last only so long. When will the Republicans learn that we cannot stuff democracy down the Iraqis' throats? They have to want it badly enough that they would die for it.
It is worth noting that the Al-Maliki does not have the support of his people. They know how corrupt the Iraqi government is. That is why Ahmed Chalabi and Ayed Alawi have multi-million homes in London. Who paid for those homes? U.S. Taxpayers. We are being played as fools. Wake up America.

Deb   April 10th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

I can not believe someone wrote that General Petraues had good news this week. You have got to be kidding me. There was not one shred of good news in his colorful maps. The sad news is that our troops are still there, will continue to be there and oh yes… the good news…their tours will be shortened to 12 months rather than 15.

bob in florida   April 10th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

and just think, when they do turn against the U.S. they will be armed with our weapons…did GWB really get thru college ??????

Ramesh Wadfhwani   April 10th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Sons of Iraq are armed and paid by U.S.Shiets and Kurds are armed. So the U.S. job is now done.Let's get out of the Iraq and let the best and bravest take over the control of Iraq. I bet you none of these parties would let Al Qiada form a base in Iraq.

Veterans for Obama   April 10th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

uh….yeah.

Bob   April 10th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

More of the same obfuscation, from Smith, Petreaus and YOU.

mep   April 10th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

If we stop paying the Sunnis to be on our side - WATCH OUT. Of course they could turn against us.

Veterans for Obama   April 10th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

ML…I think they fixed the error in the article. If not, we have a lot of confused people here.

kamenwati   April 10th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Remember the Mujahiddin? They were funded and trained by Reagan-Bush to fight against the pro-Soviet Afghan government in the eighties. They morphed into the Taliban, and al-Queda under bin-Laden. Think it won't happen again with the Sunnis? Remember, they aren't allies of the U.S., they are employees, disgruntled employees with guns. Get the picture?

Black Man for Hillary   April 10th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Kill our dependence on oil and it won't matter.

Clay   April 10th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Now, now, good people. Lets put ourselves in a similar hypothetical situation. Imagine communist China invading, destroying the infrastructure, and occupying the US. They believe that communism is the way it should be. Now lets suppose that our political parties are kind of extreme killing members of the other. China sides with one, lets say the Democrats, and offers to pay them to fight the other, the Republicans. I know this is a little far fetched, but for the sake of argument indulge me for a second longer. Would we not put our internal bickering slightly aside between our political beliefs, form party based militias, and fight China until no American has breath in their body? Then once China got the hint and left, because lets face it they are like 1.3 billion strong; we can't kill them all. We would, being extremist in nature, resume killing each other. So, why I ask are we putting off the inevitable at the expense of the US economy? Even McCain demanded we leave Haiti and Somalia immediately, but now the same situation in Iraq is hears a different tune. Get out leave the middle east alone. If anyone decides to mess with the US they could easily be exterminated from this planet.

toby hill   April 10th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Let me give you some advise Wolf, they are like Security Guards being paid $300 a month for their service. It is earned income and not just a hand-out for appeasement. I would like to see the Iraqi Government foot the bill, which they will soon, but to claim that they will turn and bite the hand that feeds them, for their honorable service, is a bunch of bull.

Kim   April 10th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Our Military has done a fantastic job even while being hobbled by the foolish decisions of Rumsfeld. We have killed Saddam,held elections and re armed the new Iraq Army. Now it is time to come home and let the Iraq people run their own country. Our Military desperatly needs to rest and our economy needs the multi billions of dollars we are spending there. Only O8ama has clealy stated from the beginning of his campaign, that he will bring our heroic troops home.

Lin   April 10th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

They will, Sadam was a sunni and he had everyone in Israel wearing gas masks. That's what makes Obama's war judgement so off the mark.

Lin   April 10th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

This is a very big brother anti freedom of speech attitude and it is being witness and filmed to prove media bias, cest la vie

Ardnuas   April 10th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

YES…. that is why we need to get out! Give the Iraqi (smart people) the chance to stand on their own!
Obama/Edwards 08 Si Se Puede

Bill-S   April 10th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Will the Sunnis turn against the US? What a silly question, Blizer must be living on a different planet. The Sunnis were once our biggest allies in the Middle East. They have nothing but a very bitter and deep hatred for us now, a hatred that has been burned in to last for generations and centuries. The Shiites are the same people as the Persians in Iran and are just using us to clear out the Sunnis. They will rise with the aid of their Iranian and throw us out at first opportunity. All this silly talk about how they have to do anything for us or meet our requirements to run their country as we dictate is the silly talk. We have already lost and never had any right to invade Iraq in the first place. Criminal charges should now be brought against the perpetrators.

Cal   April 10th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

who cares we are spending 10billion a month in iraq when we are going into recession.

Let them kill each other and let God sort them out i say.

Thank you GWB for destroying a great nations reputation.

Ps if you vote mcsame 2008 you are as big of a terrorist as them.

war war war war war

Allen Brock   April 10th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Wolf, I lived and worked in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province for over six years in 1992 - 1998. I would bet my next paycheck (if I had one) that you are right. I don't know what Rep. Chris Smith and General Petraeus have been smoking. Either they, along with many others in our government, don't know anything about the situation in the Middle East, or they have something else in mind. Anyone with half a mind would know by now that Sunnis and Shiites are going to fight each other unless one has total domination over the other, or unless they have a common enemy.

Venus   April 10th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

You bet they would! As a matter of fact - miss the first payment and see what happens! You know, with a lot of Americans losing their jobs we may have to apply for a job over there!

Rick from NJ   April 10th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

This is a frightening scenerio. Money will be the guide for any decision in foreign countries. The Americans have no idea how these people really think. They have the ability to play with us. After all they don't have much to lose by not standing with the US.

Talking to foreign countries is not the same as speaking from state to state in the United States.

We can't rationalize with irrational people. What is America thinking?

s.b.   April 10th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

You mean like Al Quaeda?? lol

Chicago Bob   April 10th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Wolf (by the way that was my great grandfather's name), I am sure you know Iraq is Balkanized into more than just Shia, Sunni and Kurd. There are factions of each of these. Getting rid of Saddam was the end of Iraq. The Soviet Union and Yugoslavia broke apart and Iraq has done the same. The Sunni can and may turn.

Retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 10th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Yeah, Wolf, we better leave, Now.

Joelle Racine, WI   April 10th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

We, Americans will NEVER learn!

There has hardly been a war or conflict where we have not paid and armed BOTH SIDES in the conflict… in time, our own money and weapons are eventually used against us.

WOW!

This is a really enlightened US Policy!

J.Onofre -CA   April 10th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

We are being had by the Sunnis and the taxpayer gets the short end of the stick. None of the Iraqi oil has contributed eventhough they are selling billions a year. Why should they be on our payroll if they can be on their own payroll.

Retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 10th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Yes Wolf, I am afraid we have awoken a sleeping giant. WE need
to get our Soldies out of there and bring them home to Super
Secure our Country. And "know" which Nations are are friends.
The Iraqs big wigs have billions in the bank that they are not willing
to secure their own country. They used us. Thank you Mr. Bush for
your great service to our Country. We will be forever grateful.

Retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 10th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

If we leave today or 2 years from now, Wolf, we will never win that
war because they don't play by civil war rules.

M.S. Indiana   April 10th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Looks like history is repeating itself again… pay, arm and train people, to fight and in the end they are 'terrorists'.. just like Bin Laden and Saddam was created by us in the past…

If we stay they will all have reasons to hate us, if wee leave they will to too.. not just the sunni, but also the other groups in and outside iraq.

Robert Wooller   April 10th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Iraq is now a terrorist breeding ground which it wasn't before and I think the whole country will turn against the US and the rest of the Western world if we don't scarper soon.

Andrew   April 10th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Everybody knows about them except for Mccain.

Is that question rhetorical?   April 10th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Of course they could. Of course they will, if we don't do things their way. We Americans have a very short memory when it comes to international politics. Remember that Saddam was once a CIA insider, and a "friend" of the US. Remember that Egypt was once considered an unbreakable ally with the US, how they're only nodding acquaintances. Remember that Iran was once an ally of the US.
All it takes is a tiff, or a regiem change, and the Mid-Eastern chessboard completely reorganizes itself. Hopefully someone in the State Department is planning for the day that the Sunnis turn on us.

Chi-Boro   April 10th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Wolf, stop adding fuel to the fire!!! You over-emphasize this issue and maybe giving them ideas. CNN too.

Sharon Minnesota   April 10th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

The mideast has long been a hot bed of fanaticism so anything is possible. We are newcomeres to this age old phenomenon so what makes us so special that we think we would be able to trust shiites, sunnis or kurds.

Their brand of religeon has created eons of constant warfare between themselves and with others. The lynchpin of their faith has been the submission of women which is extremely unpopular here in the USA.

The answer is yes. No matter what the tribe or how you name it they WILL turn against us sooner or later.

stag   April 10th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

The Iraq's are just like the USA congress…they will do anything for the right price. Only question is who is their pimp. There is no loyality here or there.

spencer   April 10th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

After Bush Feed us (the American People) those lies today. I think he needs to be fired or impeached, Leave office now Mr. Lying Bush. The sooner the better. I call for Bush to leave office now.

David T., Toronto, Canada   April 10th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Any Sunni allegiances to the US forces are born of convenience, and are fleeting at best. As a very enlightenened commentator said recently, Iraq doesn't really exist now. The government commands no authority. There is sectarianism first, second, and last.

The Kurds have their own space and intend to keep it. The Sunni have been displaced from a position of power, however tenuous it had been, thanks to the Bush Administration. The Shia have a new-found power courtesy of a foreign occupation, and have consistently sought revenge against the Sunni for all the past sins of Saddam Hussein and his ilk.

In a nutshell, here is the overall picture of the past several years:

US Invades Iraq
-> Sunni displaced; Saddam's army disbanded
-> short-term Anarchy takes root
-> Shia gain power by overt and covert means
-> Sunni boycott US lead effort at establishing democracy
-> Shia seek revenge against Sunni for past
-> Al Qaeda sees widespread chaos & takes advantage of situation to create hell for the US under the guise of Jihad. A porous border makes this a fairly easy thing to achieve.
-> Sectarian violence reaches alarming proportions
-> Baghdad and many areas suffer 'sectarian cleansing'
-> Millions of Iraqis (largely Sunni) flee the country
-> Over time, after much violence but little Sunni progress realize they're better off dealing with US
-> In certain areas they accept money and weapons in exchange for fighting against Al Qaeda and other sympathizers
-> Sadr's Mahdi militia are an on-going threat to stability, but government are loathe to attack them (being Shia as well).

All of the above results in a powder-keg of a situation, the limited progress following the so-called surge having been largely 'purchased' with US taxpayer money. Obviously, US forces are acting primarily as glorified peace-keepers, and there is no 'war' to be won here.

The Sunni and Shia don't see eye-to-eye, and Iran (again, Shia) represents the greatest threat to their future. Of course, they will resist any attempt toward subjugation at the hands of a government they inherently don't trust, and also see as the agent of an occupying force.

To make a short story long, yes, it could happen in a heartbeat.

Heather   April 10th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Actually these differences go way back to WWII. There was a special on The History Channel "Saddam Hussein and The Third Reich". The BAATH Party is based on the NAZI party. Saddam Hussein Uncle helped take out the King of Iraq . He knew a Syrian born french man who idolized Hitler. Saddam Hussein was brought up by his uncle and directly influenced by Hitler. Theres a lot more. All I will say is that is helps to know the complete history of a region and the history of the culture of the various groups before you go and attack based on satelite technology and not actual physical intelligence. Yes there is no question in my mind Saddam needed to be taken out . However, when we came in we made a big mess out of a country that we truly didn't undertstand. These tribal and cultural differences go back many decades. Iraq despite what the British think has never had real stability. We basically went in and did more than stew the pot. I don't know what is going to happen. I do know that I even as a Democrat I am a reasonable logical person. There is no doubt in my mind we did this all wrong and we are literally paying the price for it now on multiple levels. However, we can't leave. We just can't. Someone needs to say enough, all of you have to be reasonable. You all have things in common. Iraq is your home. Your country. You have to fight for it. We believe in you. Show the world that for the first time in the history of the country you have the responsibility to make your government and where you live civilized. They have to put the time from the British backed Iraqi King to the Fall of Saddam in the past. They can have stability. We can help them help themselves. I have no problem with us paying them. Heck the CIA does it all the time. These people need to make a living. I hope someday soon they all have jobs and are doing something to help build their society back.

Johnson in MN   April 10th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

One day the war will come to our soil and I know that I will have my guns ready. If we do anything in this election please remember that the government can't help all of us or very many of us for that matter, just look at Katrina stats. PROTECT THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. Both democratic nominees are against our gun ownership. For the love of God do the right thing.

NickNas   April 10th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

They will for SURE If we elect an President who can't seem to tell the difference between them and the Enemy.

For those who missed it McCain ON CAMERA on 3 DIFFERENT occasions in less than a few weeks did just that. ON CAMERA DUREING SPEECHS.

Anonymous   April 10th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Thank you for changing the Sunni thing!!!!!!!!!

joyce   April 10th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

just like kids, correct you elders shame on you

Bridgette   April 10th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

The answer to your question is they already did. That is why we started paying them.

jar   April 10th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

why don't we just surround the country of IRAQ and tell them to fight
among them selves and we will keep track of the oil till the winner comes out in 3 years but no one get to help we just keep them in that country and see what happens all the governments of the world should just do this it might stop them from fighting or it might not but is this not a civil war that has been going on for thousands of years now what makes us think it will help if we are over there too!

Nora   April 10th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

How many Americans understand Bush - McCain`s lies ?

Grif   April 10th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Well so far I've found Sunni's all over North East Africa, all over the west side of the Gulf of Oman.. Over most of the south east Indian Ocean.. Beware!!! USA.. The world over…

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