Anbar Government Dedicates Success to 9-11

President Bush made an unannounced visit to Anbar Province on Labor Day. We all heard about that. The visit and his remarks were analyzed in depth. His intentions and message were either hailed or criticized - depending on from what quarter the critique was coming.

Amidst all that hullabaloo, something happened that you likely didn't hear about. The Anbar Province Government presented a letter to President Bush.

RAMADI, Iraq - When members of the government of Anbar Province met with President Bush last week, they presented him with a letter dedicating their success in wiping out Al Qaeda here to the victims of Sept. 11

The letter, which was obtained by the Daily News, was signed by Anbar Governor Mamoun Sami Rashid, Provincial Council Chairman Abdul-Salam Abdullah, and Sheik Sattar abu Risha, the sheik credited with beginning the Anbar Awakening.

"In the month when the terrorists attacked the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, we dedicate the victory of Anbar Province to the families of the victims who suffred that criminal act," the letter said, which was addressed directly to Bush.

"With the help of the president of the United States, we pledge to continue to cooperate and communicate with you to continue to get good results," the letter said.

Yes gentle reader. From the Anbar Province Government to George Bush, dedicate to the victims of 9-11.

The above quoted article was in the New York Daily News on Monday, September 10, 2007. A quick search indicates this seems to be the only place it's appeared in the media, but has been posted on a few blogs.

Today, the Anbar Awakening leader, Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, was assassinated. Obviously his sin was working with MNF-Iraq and against al Qaeda.

[T]en days later, and a year after the young clan leader first rallied other Sunni tribes to challenge the terror movement, Abu Risha was assassinated Thursday.

American and Iraqi officials hoped the slaying would not stall the campaign to drive al-Qaida from the vast province spreading west of Baghdad and reconcile Sunnis with the Shiite-led national government.

[...]

All I want to know is why the letter from the Anbar Province Government isn't news. If the American people knew about that, how would they feel about our mission in Iraq?

h/t: Mark Levin Show