Failed plot to kill al-Sadr

[Odin]

Negotiations under the white flag generally mean that you at least see a chance to - if not to cease hostilities completely - at least agree on conditions that lead to less bloodshed.

Traditionally yes, and if you want to put it in the broad context of the application of the act sure. In this case however you have a person on the record as demanding your demise, regardless of the manner, time and place, his desire is to see you removed.

Maybe its the exception to the rule, but in al sadr's case, and for that matter those who subscribe to religous radicalism that allows for such proclomations how can you afford them the courtsey of the historical concept of "waving the white flag"?

If a rabbit catches a fox in a trap, does the rabbit A. let him go in order to be hunted another day? B. does he kill the fox first and live on? Or C. does he negotiate with the fox for a settlement and hope for the best?

The rabbit might be an honorable pious creature but choice B is the only one that ensures his long term survival.

[Ser Clegane]

In this case however you have a person on the record as demanding your demise, regardless of the manner, time and place, his desire is to see you removed.

al-Sadr wants all Americans dead - no matter what? I have some serious doubts about that.

If a rabbit catches a fox in a trap, does the rabbit A. let him go in order to be hunted another day? B. does he kill the fox first and live on? Or C. does he negotiate with the fox for a settlement and hope for the best?

I would not go as far as to see al-Sadr as a fox and the US as a rabbit - I think you are flattering this guy
Apart from that your comparison is not quite correct. The fox did not get caught and then started to negotiate. The rabbit started the negotiations and tried to kill the fox when it agreed.
Would a fox agree on negotiations with the rabbit? Who will trust the rabbit in future negotiations?

You are under the misconception that you can violate the meaning of the white flag if you think it is appropriate and return ti business as usual the next day. However, a white flag only serves its purpose as long as it is always respected.

[Odin]

al-Sadr wants all Americans dead - no matter what? I have some serious doubts about that.

I didnt say he did, my comments are in the context of the article posted. Perhaps I should say "wants american forces out of Iraq, no matter the means" Im comfortable attributing that sentiment to him without a link to a quote.

I would not go as far as to see al-Sadr as a fox and the US as a rabbit - I think you are flattering this guy

A poor analogy, conceded.

Apart from that your comparison is not quite correct. The fox did not get caught and then started to negotiate. The rabbit started the negotiations and tried to kill the fox when it agreed.
Would a fox agree on negotiations with the rabbit? Who will trust the rabbit in future negotiations?

Oh I dont dispute that but you left out the part that the foxes intent is to kill the rabbit regardless of the circumstances. There in lies the crux of my argument, the fox wants to kill the rabbit no matter the circumstance, the rabbit knows this, so affording a repreive under the guise of the white flag is either honor driven stupidity, or hope. Neither concept seems to be valid when, the underlying theme is the fox wants to kill you.

Does that mean the rabbit is less then honorable for tricking the fox in the first place? Yes, but the rabbit is also alive and in the end isnt that the more important outcome given the circumstances?

You are under the misconception that you can violate the meaning of the white flag if you think it is appropriate and return ti business as usual the next day. However, a white flag only serves its purpose as long as it is always respected.

Again we are back to a universal application, perhaps your right if the violation (in your example) in an unjust manner. Thats where you and I part ways, I sense you feel that no matter the circumstances there is no deviation from the concept, a white flag is a white flag. Fine, but if I have a guy who has been trying to kill me, and its been his proclomation that this intent is his long term ambition, that negates my need to afford him protection under the white flag premise. Additionally if i can use the white flag premise as bait to eliminate him even better.

While that isnt a sexy option in way of perception of others of my honor, it does afford me the ability to say I eliminated the fox. Apparently we place different values on the concepts involved.

[Ser Clegane]

Perhaps I should say "wants american forces out of Iraq, no matter the means"

[...]

the fox wants to kill the rabbit no matter the circumstance, the rabbit knows this, so affording a repreive under the guise of the white flag is either honor driven stupidity

There is of course a big difference between the two. The first is typical for any armed conflict. People are willing to kill other people to achieve the goal. In the second case killing is the goal.
If you are correct with your first statement I do not see how this parley is different from any other parley in an armed conflict.

[Odin]

There is of course a big difference between the two. The first is typical for any armed conflict. People are willing to kill other people to achieve the goal. In the second case killing is the goal.
If you are correct with your first statement I do not see how this parley is different from any other parley in an armed conflict.

Well I'm not sure if we came to a point of understanding or not but it was fun back and forth. Cheers

[Ser Clegane]

Well I'm not sure if we came to a point of understanding or not but it was fun back and forth. Cheers

[Don Corleone]

One point I would like to make to Odin. To use your analogy, the rabbit waved the white flag at the fox. When the fox trotted over to ask 'what's up', the rabbit attacked him. This would be a terrible no-no.

Not respecting the white flag proffered by your opponent appears to be the argument you're making. I still have some qualms about that, but it seems more understandable. I hope you would agree that using a white flag as a pretext to get a bead on the head of your opponent is a move that will erode trust and civility in just about all future conflicts, and thus should not be allowed.

Just as a sidenote, does the so-called Independent always write its news stories like editorial page position pieces?