Pentagon official: “Maliki doesn’t sneeze without our permission,”

"The Independent 23 June 2006: Insurgent groups may be offered amnesty in new peace deal for Iraq.

The Iraqi government could offer an amnesty to members of the insurgency, as part of an effort to bring about peace, as early as this weekend. Part of that peace plan will include a timeline for the withdrawal of foreign troops and a halt to US operations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said last week the government was drawing up the proposals and would release details soon.

Council of Foreign Relations 22 June 2006: The Debate Over Granting Amnesty to Iraqi Insurgents.

A senior Pentagon official says the amnesty offer has the tacit approval of the White House and may have been initiated in Washington, not Baghdad. “Maliki doesn’t sneeze without our permission,” says the official.

Baghdad Dweller

Ooouch!!