US negotiates with terrorists

[zenith-nadir]

Instead of nitpicking (the latest technique here for derailing a thread and avoiding any real discussion), why not address the issue head-on?

This subject was the topic on Nightline the other night.

Yes, despite saying we don't, we negotiate with terrorists and hostage takers all the time. Those that scream the loudest that we don't seem to be the worst violators of their own pronouncement.
Get over it, and have a real discussion on the merits.
Is it good or bad? No, its just a fact of life.

I am not avoiding the "real discussion". If a_u_p had said what the story said "Iraqi Governing Council members met with Fallujah leaders to try to bring calm while the U.S.-led coalition called for a bilateral cease-fire" I would have no problem.

The Iraqi Governing Council members tried to re-implement Iraqi control while the US forces unilaterally called a ceasefire to allow Iraqis to bury their dead and aid supplies to be brought in. That is what happened, there was no bilateral meeting where there was negotiation between the US and "terrorists". If there was a meeting why did U.S. Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt say:

"This action is being taken with the expectation that enemy elements in Fallujah will also honor the ceasefire.

Key word, expectation....So why does a_u_p get to say "US negotiates with terrorists"? If he had said US negotiates with terrorists in the past, or may in the future, or have in Iraq, I would have no problem. But you can't say something has happened then provide evidence that does not support your claim. So I asked four times to provide the evidence of a meeting and guess what, a_u_p nor anyone else could provide evidence that on April 10th or earlier the U.S. negotiated with "terrorists" in Fallujah.

 

[subgenius]

W called them terrorists last night.