Police branded as collaborators express sympathy for anti-American resista

Police branded as collaborators express sympathy for anti-American resistance

Wednesday November 26, 2003
By SCHEHEREZADE FARAMARZI
Associated Press Writer
BAQOUBA, Iraq (AP) Iraqi police say they are underpaid, poorly armed and lack equipment to protect themselves from increasing attacks by insurgents. Frequently branded as collaborators with the U.S. occupation, many police resent the Americans and some even express sympathy for the guerrillas.

The recent surge in attacks on Iraqi police followed a decision by the U.S. command to aggressively pursue insurgents before they can strike. Nine police were among the 12 Iraqis killed in car bombings last weekend at police stations in Baqouba and nearby Khan Bani Saad. Two senior police commanders were killed last weekend in Mosul and a town south of Baghdad.

American officials expect attacks to increase against Iraqis working with the coalition as the U.S.-led administration begins handing power to local leaders. Culture clashes between Iraqi and American forces only exacerbate a climate of bitterness and distrust.

About a dozen Iraqi policemen who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday said they were not deterred by the bombings and would continue working for the police force.

Still, they expressed resentment toward the Americans, who are better armed and less vulnerable to attack. Several policemen referred to the resistance against the Americans as a jihad, or holy war, and said Iraqis had a legitimate right to fight occupation.
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http://cbsnewyork.com/international/Iraq-Police-ai/resources_news_html

Poorly armed, poorly trained, despised by your country's people, sounds ideal!

I've pretty much been waiting for reports like this to start surfacing.

I'd have full and complete confidence that these new recruits "have my back." Who could ask for better than underpaid, poorly armed, resentful allies who sympathize with your adversaries?

....
.....that the Miami cops secretly admired the protesters they were beating the snot out of last week....