Juan Cole - July 4, 2005

Egyptian Envoy Kidnapped
Sunni Arab Demonstrations against SCIRI in Tikrit, Baghdad

The chief of mission of the Iraqi embassy in Iraq was kidnapped late Saturday when he drove out to buy a newspaper, by two carloads of guerrillas who pistol-whipped him and accused him of being an American agent. Egypt was pressured by the US and the elected Iraqi government to appoint an ambassador, and Sherif was expected to assume the title. Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia had been set to follow suit. Al-Jazeera is reporting that the Egyptians have issued a statement expressing hopes that Ihab Sherif will be treated as befits someone who has worked for Arab interests.

Ahmadov on Iraq and Chechnya

Guest comment from Azerbaijan comparing the Iraq and Chechnya Guerrilla Wars, by Dr. Alpay Ahmadov in Baku:

... You cite Newsweek reports that Iraqi officials admit that the new security services are infiltrated and in detailed comment it.

I would like to inform you that, the same happens in Chechnya. Probably you know that, Chechen resistance soldiers (or mujaheeds) fight against Russia army as well as so-called pro-Russian Chechen militia (police) and soldiers. The former accuse latter of the betrayel of Chechen interests. There are people among pro-Russian Chechens, who in reality work for mujahids.