Friday, December 09, 2005

Sunni Appeal

Sunni clerics have issued an appeal for the release of the kidnapped Christian peacekeepers in Iraq. This is, of course, good news. It's also interesting sociologically because it shows a community returning to a normal social hierarchy. The clerics are, of course, performing their religious duties, but these are also their civic duties. The next step would be to issue strict condemnations of the terrorists. But, and I'm not sure if people realize this, the public statement is a sign that authority, legitimate and local authority, is returning. So, it is good news. Sadly, it will likely fail... but, it will require the kidnappers to go against a growing, legitimate, native authority.

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