Iraqi Sunnis plan lobbying operation in Washington (Boston Globe)

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Iraqi Sunnis plan lobbying operation in Washington
Iran perceived as a common threat

By Farah Stockman, Globe Staff | March 18, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Members of the largest Sunni Muslim political bloc in Iraq's
Parliament are planning to open a lobbying operation in Washington, in a
dramatic shift for Sunni parties that once boycotted Iraq's elections and
turned down opportunities for dialogue with the United States.

The move reflects a growing realization among many Sunnis that they need
US help to counter their Shi'ite political rivals, who are backed by Iran, an
archenemy they now share with the United States.

The decision by Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi , a leader of the Sunni
alliance that holds 44 of 275 seats in Parliament, to begin lobbying in
Washington also highlights how deep the divisions among Sunnis, Shi'ites,
and Kurds have become. Each group now has its own representatives in
Washington to push its agenda at the State Department, the White House,
and on Capitol Hill.

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Hanooti said his clients want to represent all Iraqis, not just Sunnis. But his
mission is to raise awareness about key Sunni grievances. According to papers
filed at the Department of Justice's Foreign Agents Registration office, Hanooti
plans to push for the United States to open negotiations with the Sunni-led
insurgency and to seek the release of tens of thousands of prisoners detained
without charge in Iraq, "the overwhelming number of whom are Sunnis."

-snip-

Full article: http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2007/03/18/iraqi_sunnis_plan_lobbying_operation_in_washington