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Journalism of Courage
Iraqi President Ghazi Al-Yawar said today that rebel forces have been increasing violent attacks recently because they realise they have no chance of winning. ‘‘The bad guys, the army of the darkness, are getting more helpless and hopeless. That’s why they are stepping up these things. Time and the place is on our side,’’ Al-Yawar said after meeting with US Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Powell made an unannounced visit here today and held discussions with US Ambassador John Negroponte and Iraqi officials. In brief remarks after his half-hour meeting with Al-Yawar, Powell said the two countries are facing big challenges that they are determined to overcome.
Powell came here two days after a terrorist bombing killed at least 100 Iraqis northeast of Baghdad. There has also been a sharp increase in attacks on foreigners, including beheadings.
Al-Yawar expressed confidence the violence will not deter Iraq from electing a transitional government in January.
Powell is the highest ranking US official to visit since Iraq’s interim government took power on June 28. He arrived in Iraq following meetings with Kuwaiti and Saudi leaders in their respective countries yesterday.
Meanwhile, at least 13 Iraqis were killed and a dozen wounded in clashes between US troops and insurgents in Fallujah, hospital sources and police said today. ‘‘We have 13 killed and 13 wounded,’’ doctor Bilal Jassemat said without indicating if the casualties were civilians or fighters.
The US military said earlier that it targeted insurgents in Fallujah last night with artillery and air fire after they attacked a marine position in the city with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.
