The Ghost of Anbar -- And -- Progress In Iraq? Part 1/3

U.S. Ally Sheik Abu Risha Killed in Anbar Province.

Morning Edition, September 13, 2007 · The most prominent figure in a U.S.-backed revolt of Sunni sheiks against al-Qaida in Iraq was killed Thursday by a bomb planted near his home in Anbar province, 10 days after he met with President Bush, police and tribal leaders said.

Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha was leader of the Anbar Salvation Council, also known as the Anbar Awakening — an alliance of clans backing the Iraqi government and U.S. forces.

Officials said his assassination would be a huge setback for U.S. efforts in Iraq, because it sends a message to others who are cooperating with coalition forces or thinking about cooperating against al-Qaida.

Abu Risha and four of his bodyguards were killed by a roadside bomb planted near the tribal leader's home in Ramadi, Anbar's provincial capital, said Col. Tareq Youssef, supervisor of Anbar police.

A spokesman for Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, confirmed the report.

"It is confirmed that the sheik and two of his bodyguards were killed today near or outside his home," Col. Steven Boylan said in an e-mail from Washington, where Petraeus testified before Congress this week on recent successes in Anbar province.


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14383382&ft=1&f=3

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• War
• Iraq
• Vietnam
• 9/11
• Empire
• Terrorism
• Imperialist

[chaldodon]

DEATH TO AL QAIDA DEATH TO AL QAIDA

[xadious2]

It's sad that they managed to kill Risha - hopefully his good work continues. Once Al-Qaida is destroyed in Iraq, the car bombs targeting innocents will hopefully stop too.

[kallikov]

He had al ready lost 2 close relatives(including his brother)al qaeda wanted him dead.

so did the mashasdani tribe.but it wasnt until his meeting with bush that his fate was sealed.

[ultratone1985]

It sure was, he was killed by an IED just outside of his house in Ramadi.

[chaldodon]

GOD BLESS Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha

[chaldodon]

god bless Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha

[odertocarlos]

I'm not sure if this is the same guy??

[odertocarlos]

Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha and his two bodyguards were just killed in iraq..