Marine General Meets Tribal Leaders in Al Kut
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From Times Wire Reports
Marine Gen. Rich Natonski called tribal leaders together to seek their support in running the city of Al Kut but emphasized that he considers himself in charge. Patrols of low-flying attack helicopters drove home the point.
Shiite Muslim Said Abbas has occupied the city hall and claimed to control the city, but the U.S. says he is backed by Iran and has only minority support.
U.S. strategy now seems to be to ignore and marginalize him. At the meeting, he was not at the main table.
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