Funeral for Sunni Leader

September 14, 2007 - In Baghdad, mourners at the funeral for Sunni leader Abdul Sattar Buzaigh al-Rishawi today vowed to take revenge on those responsible for his death. Abdul Sattar and three others were killed yesterday when a hidden bomb exploded near Sattar's house just west of Ramadi. More than 1500 people marched for six miles en route to Sattar's family cemetery, all the while chanting "'We will take our revenge.'" Sattar's death comes only ten days after his meeting with US President George Bush in Anbar Province. "Abdul Sattar was buried one year after he organized 25 Sunni Arab clans under the umbrella of the Anbar Awakening Council, an alliance against Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, to drive terrorists from sanctuaries where they had flourished after the U.S. invasion in 2003." Many people believe Al Qaeda is responsible for Sattar's death, as the group had already killed four of his brothers and six other relatives for working with the US military. Bush and other US officials hailed Sattar's courage and success in improving security in various Anbar flash points such as Faluja and Ramadi. President Bush made a statement yesterday: "'Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheiks who helped lead the revolt against Al Qaeda was murdered...In response, a fellow Sunni leader declared: 'We are determined to strike back and continue our work.' And as they do, they can count on the continued support of the United States.'"

Most everyone in the US is aware of the terrorist group Al Qaeda, headed by the infamous Osama bin Laden. People are also very aware of the United States' involvement in the fight to expel Al Qaeda and destroy the organization. But many people often forget the efforts by a number of Muslims and Muslim leaders to enhance security and quash terrorist activities; Abdul Sattar was one of those people. His work in organizing and combining forces between 25 Sunni clans against Al Qaeda is remarkable and stands as example to the US and others joined in the fight. His death is an unfortunate tragedy, but the strength and endurance of the Sunni Muslims and followers of Sattar shows that terrorism will not have the last word. President Bush is wise to support those Sunnis in the fight against Al Qaeda.

"Mourners call for revenge at funeral of assassinated Sunni leader"
The Associated Press
14 September 2007
International Herald Tribune
Baghdad
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/09/14/europe/iraq.php?page=1

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