freda -

It is so difficult to find any truth in this tangled web of deceit and lies. I am so grateful to you for your information and your clarity. Allawi is not much different than Saddam except that Allawi is the "poster-boy" for so-called democracy. At least with Saddam, you knew who you were dealing with.

As to the claim that the executed had killed 50 Iraqis - where does that leave the U.S.?

...and if these prisoners had killed 50 Iraqis, shouldn't they be prisoners of war?

Its hard to believe that the U.S. who cannot even handle their own internal problems or international diplomacy should have the audacity to think that they can solve the problems of Iraq by waging war.

Can you tell me why Sistani is given so little power and authority? So far, he seems to be the most sane and, if given the choice, I think many Iraqis would listen to his advice (maybe even the majority). He doesn't seem to be anyone's puppet. Is is because he is Iranian born or is it because he isn't afraid to stand up to the U.S.?

d