U.S. Allies In Iraq Now Feel Deserted

Sheik Ahmed Abu Risha, who leads the Sunni Awakening, at his compound in Ramadi. A portrait depicts his brother Abdul, who was assassinated in 2007. Andrea Bruce for The New York Times

U.S. Leaving Iraqi Comrades-in-Arms In Limbo -- New York Times

RAMADI, Iraq — Meeting various neighbors and supplicants on a recent evening, America’s staunchest ally in Iraq, Sheik Ahmed Abu Risha, sat in a tent sipping tea from an implausibly tiny glass cup. He greeted each new visitor with a hearty outburst of “dear one” and a kiss on the cheek.

At one point a young man walked in carrying an M-16 rifle, leaned over and kissed the sheik on the cheek, too, in a clear sign of loyalty from a member of a tribal militia.

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My Comment: If they keep their weapons .... these Sunni-American allies will be safe .... for now. But later .... who knows.