Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said today that he is considering an amnesty plan for insurgents in Iraq. (link)
Talabani said that once negotiations with the many other terror groups were concluded, "the task of eradicating the Al-Qa'ida terrorist group will be easier."
In exchange for ending their attacks, the groups are demanding jobs and amnesty. Talabani said it was a price he was willing to pay.
[parody]
Unnamed Iraqi officials described the plan's details, which they insist is not "amnesty."
It's absolutely not amnesty. Insurgents will be required to register with the government and undergo an application process which will last several years and pay thousands of dinars in fines. There are 12-20 million insurgents in Iraq, and they play an important part in the Iraqi economy. Since there are many insurgent jobs that Iraqi's will not fill, there will also be a "guest insurgent" plan, under which insurgents can come into the country for one year, then return to their country of origin where they can apply for permanent insurgent status. Priority will be given to those with much-needed insurgent skills, but those with family ties to current insurgents will receive 51% of the guest insurgent visa quota.
The officials reject the idea that border security should preceed a comprehensive insurgent reform bill.
Our borders are nearly 1500 km, and include borders with six countries. We intend to double the number of border guards, but imposing any benchmarks for reduction of illegal insurgent immigration is not practical. Comprehensive insurgent reform is the only way to ensure insurgents come to Iraq legally and safely.
[/parody]