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Friday, February 18, 2005

Iraq is on the road to being a Free Society, but it's not there yet. In order to get there, it will take more people like Mithal al-Alusi.

Iraq leader under threat for Israel views

After three new attempts on his life, including a firefight in front of his house Wednesday, outspoken Mithal al-Alusi, a Sunni Muslim, is sure insurgents are still out to get him for his views on peace and tolerance.

Al-Alusi's sons were gunned down one week ago in a car in which he decided not to get in at the last minute. Since then, he said his house has been attacked three times, including a fierce firefight Wednesday -- apparently between insurgents and private guards protecting him.

Police were very slow to respond because they don't support his views on peace with Israel, al-Alusi said. The leader of the Democratic Party of the Iraqi Nation has been outspoken in his belief that Iraq must align with other democratic countries in the Middle East, possibly Turkey and others, to accept the current situation and make peace with Israel.

"It took the police two or three hours to come, even though they know my house," al-Alusi said. "They aren't interested, because of my views."...

... Al-Alusi was defiant toward the killers, saying he would not leave the country following the attacks. He said his sons' killers must be brought to justice.

"I am a target, but this is my job. I will do it until the last second of my life," al-Alusi said. "If I have an appointment, I will go to it. I will not hide."...

Brave guy.

If things are to change in the Middle East, the rule of law and the ability to protect speech must take over. That's what the fight's about right now.

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