JEWS FORGE TIES WITH IRAQI DISSIDENTS
Matthew E. Berger, Jewish Telegraph Agency, 10/15/02
http://www.jta.org/page_view_story.a...intcategoryid=

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (JTA) - The old saying "the enemy of my enemy is my
friend" appears to have resonance for American Jewish groups and the Iraqi
dissidents seeking to overthrow the government of Saddam Hussein.

Jewish groups have privately met with Iraqi opposition leaders in the past,
but today some groups are forging a broader, more public relationship.

In the last two weeks, two Jewish organizations, the American Israel Public
Affairs Committee and the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs,
have sponsored discussions with members of the Iraqi National Congress, a
prominent Iraqi opposition group that is financially supported by the U.S.
government.

With the Bush administration pursuing a policy of regime change in Iraq,
both the INC and Jewish groups say they have something to gain from a
strong bond.

The INC sees a way to tap into Jewish influence in Washington and
Jerusalem, and drum up increased support for its cause.

The Jewish groups, for their part, see an opportunity to pave the way for
better relations between Israel and Iraq, if and when the INC is involved
in replacing Saddam's regime.