Factions in Iraq
Some detail on members of the Iraqi Governing Council who object to U.S. military operations against Moqtada Sadr, on the one hand, and the Sunni insurgents on the other. One member at least has resigned from IGC.
Of course, they may simply want to distance themselves from the U.S. at the time when U.S. operations are at the least popular, while leaving the possibility of returning when the heat is off. Still, it points to trouble on the political front that may not be helped, and may indeed be worsened, by the military operations.
Two IGC members asked to serve as negotiators in Fallujah. At first permission was granted (by the liberator), then it was denied on the grounds that "the U.S. military could not guarantee their safety."
Another striking detail: Adnan Pachachi, who is publicly criticizing the U.S. and may have resigned, is a "respected former diplomat who less than three months ago had accompanied first lady Laura Bush to the State of the Union address," and "a secular Sunni who is widely considered sympathetic to the United States and who commands broad respect from many Iraqis." Hachim Hassani, "who is representing the Iraqi Islamic Party, a leading Sunni Muslim group on the Council," is also very outspoken, and is apparently considering resigning.
I really don't know the cast of characters, but here is a brief overview of some IGC members.
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