Naples (FL )podiatrist plans presidential bid in Iraq

By LIZ FREEMAN, epfreeman@naplesnews.com
May 19, 2004

A Naples podiatrist announced Tuesday he is closing his foot and ankle practice shortly to relocate to his native Iraq to run for the presidency in the 2005 elections.

Rasool Sharif, 58, said he has returned to Iraq twice in the past two months and recently was asked by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's influential Shia cleric, to return for more meetings.

"I was the only American who has met with him," said Sharif, who owns the Foot & Ankle Clinic at 198 Ninth St. N. "I met with a lot of people there, a lot of intellectual people."

Sharif said he is being recruited by the National Alliance of a United Iraq, which, he said, is not a political group but consists of Iraqi citizens, largely doctors, ministers, lawyers and business people who have come together for a new Iraq.

more: http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/news/article/0,2071,NPDN_14940_2896657,00.html

perhaps an indication that covert funds will now flow to other groups, such as the "National Alliance of a United Iraq"? Some compliant front organizations could certainly help to keep a veneer of legitimacy on an extended occupation.

'Sharif said he is not against the American military presence staying in Iraq to help "as long as it takes."'

Does it seem, uh, strange that the "National Alliance of a United Iraq" (described as a group of Iraqi citizens) would recruit a Florida foot doctor as their choice for President, or will "President of Iraq" be a ceremonial title requiring no substantial political skills?

would probably want American troops to stay for a while. Does anyone really think that the Iraqis can handle it at this point?

TO SIT IN THE PALACE while the oil Cartel LOOTS the natural resources.

with no painful corns or bunions."