Perhaps it’s payback for screwing GWB with phony intelligence information?
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) – U.S. soldiers and Iraqi police raided the residence of Iraqi politician Ahmad Chalabi on Thursday, and aides accused the Americans of holding guns to his head and bullying him over his criticism of plans for next month’s transfer of sovereignty.
There was no comment from U.S. authorities, but American officials here have complained privately that Chalabi – a longtime Pentagon favorite – is interfering with a U.S. investigation into allegations that Saddam Hussein’s regime skimmed millions in oil revenues during the U.N.-run oil-for-food program.
A Chalabi aide, Haidar Musawi, accused the Americans of trying to pressure Chalabi, who has become openly critical of U.S. plans for how much power to transfer to the Iraqis on June 30.
“The aim is to put political pressure,” Musawi told The Associated Press. “Why is this happening at a time when the government is being formed?”Chalabi is a wanted convicted felon in Jordan, so he might want to tone it down or he might be sent over the border…
Perhaps this is an ingenious way to give “our guy” Chalabi the Iraqi version of street cred. Chalabi is critical of the U.S. >>> U.S. forces hassle him >>> he gains popularity in Iraq…
I’m usually not one to toss out paranoid conspiracy theories. But, if I wanted to hand over power to someone and make sure that he’s not viewed as a puppet of the U.S., this is what I would do.
Does this make you say, “Hum….”?