Sunni sheik is laid to rest in Anbar - Al Qaeda in Iraq claims to have killed Rishawi, whose brother is likely to take over his council. Four U.S. troops slain.
BAGHDAD — Thousands of people paid respects Friday to the slain sheik credited with forging ties between Sunni tribesmen and the U.S. military, as American leaders mulled over the prospects of his expected successor.
The U.S. military reported that four U.S. soldiers were killed in Diyala province by an explosion near their vehicle. No names were released pending notification of their families, and no further details were available.
The insurgent group Al Qaeda in Iraq on Friday posted an Internet statement claiming responsibility for the killing of Abdul Sattar Rishawi, who had persuaded Sunni Muslim tribes in Anbar province that once backed the insurgency to accept U.S. cooperation and arms to fight militants.
The killing of Rishawi on Thursday in a bombing outside his home was a setback to U.S.-led efforts to stabilize Anbar, which President Bush has cited as a success of the military buildup he ordered this year.
The slain sheik's tribal coalition, the Anbar Salvation Council, will reportedly be taken over by his elder brother, Ahmed Rishawi, who lashed out against insurgents for the killing. "We are going to continue our fight and avenge his death," he said.
At the Pentagon, Army Col. Sean B. MacFarland predicted that with Abdul Sattar Rishawi's death, others would vie for increased influence over the Anbar council, but that they would remain U.S. allies.
"There will be a different kind of leadership," he said, more diffuse but still united.
MacFarland, as commander of the 1st Armored Division's 1st Brigade, led U.S. forces in the provincial capital, Ramadi, in 2006 and helped broker the deal between U.S. forces and Rishawi last September.
Sunni insurgents had declared Anbar part of their self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq, subject to draconian laws and harsh punishment. Resentment was growing among tribal leaders, who saw their influence and power eroding.
Rishawi "saw his opportunity for revenge and he took it," MacFarland said. The sheik, also known as Abu Risha, succeeded in persuading leaders of the other Sunni Arab tribes in the region to rally to his side and ally with the U.S.
The Rishawi brothers were a striking contrast, said MacFarland: Abdul Sattar in traditional clothing, a charismatic risk-taker; and the college-educated Ahmed in Western suits, a businessman and deal maker.
