Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki outlines a limited amnesty as part of a national reconciliation plan he intends to release within days. (Pool - Getty Images)I think about Abraham Lincoln who declared a blanket amnesty in the Civil War for a wide swath of rebels. Many Northerners were furious with him about this. Yet, it turned out to be wise, as our country eventually became one again. The situation in Iraq is a bit different, in that some insurgents have deliberately killed civilians, and have tortured prisoners and mutilated their bodies. A Lincolnesque gesture might not be appropriate in these circumstances. Still, I believe that the most important thought to keep central is "What will bring peace to the Iraqi's and unite their country?" Only people who understand their culture can answer this question. Undoubtedly they need a Lincoln at this time. Whether this kind of man exists is one question. What Lincoln himself would do today in Iraq is another. The final answer is, the Iraqi's must decide, and we must live with their decision.
P.S. I found this today, (Wed 6/28/06), which is a partial answer to the above post:
Iraq rules out amnesty for those who kill, QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA
Associated Press
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