THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ: ESTIMATE OF NONMILITARY TOLL; U.S. ALLY SLAIN - U.S. ally's death may hurt Anbar strategy
BAGHDAD — The slaying of a Sunni Arab tribal leader who was one of the United States' highest-profile allies in Anbar province drew a pledge from President Bush on Thursday to continue support to an area he called "a good example of how our strategy is working" in Iraq.
Abdul Sattar Rishawi was killed 10 days after he met with Bush during the American leader's one-day visit to Anbar, in western Iraq. The sheik had become a symbol of the U.S. military's effort to turn enemies into partners against insurgents and militias.
U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, told Congress this week that the strategy in Anbar had paid off with a decrease in violence.
"Anbar province is a good example of how our strategy is working," Bush said, in a speech that mentioned the province 11 times. But the president added that insurgents remained "active and deadly."
"Earlier today, one of the brave tribal sheiks who helped lead the revolt against Al Qaeda was murdered," Bush said. "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."
Police in the Anbar provincial capital, Ramadi, said a bomb planted outside Rishawi's sprawling desert compound tore apart his vehicle, killing him and at least two bodyguards.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but suspicion fell on radical Islamic groups loyal to Al Qaeda in Iraq, which used Anbar as a base until sheiks led by Rishawi last year turned against them and began denying them refuge. A message posted on a website used by such groups applauded the attack. "Good-bye Abdul Sattar, and book a place for Bush whom you received in your filthy house," it said. "Did he help you this time? Could he prevent the Islamic State soldiers from reaching you?"
The killing came on the heels of Petraeus' testimony trumpeting Anbar as a model of security that could serve as an example to other Iraqi regions. Based in part on the experience in Anbar, Petraeus said he believed the United States could begin a gradual reduction of its military presence in Iraq later this month.
The killing appeared certain to adversely affect the United States' efforts to persuade tribal leaders elsewhere to follow Rishawi's example. That strategy is considered key to providing the level of security needed to decrease U.S. troop levels.
