Iraqi criticizes secret US contacts with insurgents

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Iraq's national security adviser complained bitterly in an interview published about secret US contacts with Iraqi insurgents, warning that the "policy of appeasement" would undermine security.

National Security Adviser Mowaffak Rubaie told the Washington Times that the contacts with so-called Iraqi "rejectionists" were being carried out behind the back of the Shiite-dominated government.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060120/pl_afp/usiraqinsurgents

This brings to mind a Time magazine article, "Talking with the Enemy," from February 20, 2005, from which I had previously quoted this excerpt months ago:

The Iraqi's very presence conveys a message: Members of the insurgency are open to negotiating an end to their struggle with the U.S. "We are ready," he says before leaving, "to work with you." (emphasis added).

Negotiating with the insurgents is entirely appropriate, of course, and does not mean that we are preparing to switch sides.