Bush to meet separately Iraqi Shiite, Sunni leaders

[ECH1969]

U.S. President George W. Bush is due to meet with one of Iraq's Shiite leaders Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim on Monday to continue his effort to a new approach to ending sectarian violence in Iraq, the White House said Friday.

Al-Hakim is leader of the United Iraqi Alliance - the largest bloc in Iraq's parliament. "President Bush looks forward to an exchange of views and a discussion of important issues facing Iraq today," National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

After his meeting with al-Hakim, Bush will also meet in January Iraq's Sunni leader, Vice President of the country, Tariq al-Hashemi, said a senior U.S. official who asked not to be identified.

It was reported that al-Hakim has demanded the current Iraqi government headed by Prime Minister Nuri Maliki be dissolved and replaced with a new coalition with guarantees that ensure collective decision-making.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/01/content_5420993.htm

[Pirate Smile]

1. "more direct engagement by Bush to calm sectarian violence in Iraq"

Why am I not feeling more confident?

[ECH1969]

2. yup

[saracat]

3. Why not meet both together? Is there a Civil War or something?

Just asking.:sarcasm:

[JudyM]

4. Why would he meet with them when it's the Talliban that we're fighting?

:evilgrin: :sarcasm: