The Cairo Confrence
 

This would be a good begining for the resolution of the war in Iraq. This would not be the end all be all solution. Nor would one expect much to come out of it, except for each side to have heard the others.

First U would have Condi go and talk to the Brits to make a common cause/front. Second NATO would be consulted to see what they will commit. Third Condi gets on the plane and goes to Iraq, Turkey, Saudi, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Syria and Iran. To find out what their hopes, aspirations and fears are concerning Iraq and Regional Security (with regards to Iraq). The US would have to be clear that one problem at a time has to be solved and that any agreement is a first step to linkage to solving any other regional problems. Then the US would have Egypt call for a conference to be held in Cairo. The moderators would have to keep the discussion focused, giving all parties an opportunity to express their views.

Holding a confrence in Cairo is good PR for the USA in theMuslim world. Second it brings together the players in the Region for the first time. An International confrence then opens the door for other nations to start lending a hand in Iraq. The US should be willing to sacrafice some face and keep its eye on the goal of achievinng stabilty in Iraq and the Region.

Actually sacraficing some face might go a long way in moderating feelings in the Muslim world.

Apparently, it seems that behind the scenes the Saudis are actually talking with Israel because both have a common enemy....Iran.

If so, a step in the right direction.

U Betcha Toyota....and my guess is that the Israelies backed off the Hezzies because the Saudis made a guarntee.

Heres another one for your book on the subject of Iran/Iraq. Recently the Prime Minister Miliki of Iraq has been backing off from the USA and expressing his displeasure with some US actions and is probably moving closer to Iran as a result. The current violence in Amara along the Iranian border is linked...it appears that the Sh!it factions are at odds with each other and one is moving closer to Iran for support.

So what we might get after the dust settles is a far larger Iran.......

It would be interesting how that would be explained away.

An International Conference Huh? Note the date of Posting this thread..

A lot is happening right now in this area. We are shuttling people from Paris, London to the ME.

Something big going on and it very well may be this.

Appeasement is not an effective diplomatic technique.

It never has been, it never will be.

What they'd inherit is a blood bath continually fueled by the Saudis and Kuwaitis who would monetarilly and materielly support the Iraqi Sunni population to continue an insurgency against the Shia rulers.

Iran is not immune to an insurgency any more than the US or Soviet Union is.

Who said anything about "Appeasement" If the USA has to suck some crow to get an advantagous settlement so be it. The only thng that matters is what is said on the bottom line.

Shhhhhh. You don't want Pat to hear you talking like that!

Crap. Now I gotta go spend money on more "spoons".

Yeah verily...This is going to happen.

Lots of rumbling going on. Got a call from a friend in Cairo yesterday and its getting interesting over there...

some kind of ME organization which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and a few other moderate states have been holding meetings for over a year now. A major issue has been dealing with Iran in the near future. I got the impression that Egypt is a determining state on their position. My point being is that know they have to get their act together. Probably the sooner the better?