Iraq Clash Reflects Tension, Distrust

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031019/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_deadly_encounter&cid=540&ncid=1480

KARBALA, Iraq - The American lieutenant colonel was chatting amiably with gunmen guarding the home of a Shiite Muslim cleric, urging them to join the police force.

Suddenly, a weapon was drawn. Voices were raised. A warning shot was fired. Soon 13 people, including the colonel, were dead.

Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando, 43, was the highest-ranking U.S. Army officer killed by hostile fire since the U.S.-led war on Iraq (news - web sites) began March 20. Two Iraqi police and eight gunmen also were killed, and seven Americans wounded.

The U.S. military is still investigating last week's violence, but witness accounts Sunday of the shootings show how — in highly charged Iraq — events can turn deadly, fast.

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[Barrett808]

1. Things are working out just super

Thanks, George.

[IndianaGreen]

2. "In Iraq, owning a firearm is considered manly."

It is also necessary to protect life and property. It is idiotic to engage in gun-grabbing tactics in such a country where the right to carry is seen as a God-given right.

Even Saddam had better sense than to disarm the populace.