Ambassador James F. Jeffrey on Force Against Opponents

As quoted in the New York Times, December 20, 2010, in "Cleric's Anti-U.S. Forces Poised for Gains in Iraq," by Jack Healy:

“We do not see compelling evidence they have renounced, in practice or in theory, the idea that they can use force against their opponents,” James F. Jeffrey, the United States ambassador to Iraq, told reporters. They in this case are the followers of Moktada al-Sadr.

It must be a common practice in the world for political parties and governments to renounce, in theory or in practice, the idea that they can use force against their opponents.

I must have missed the news that the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and the U.S. government have renounced, in theory or in practice, the idea that they can use force against their opponents.

Tell it to the Marines, Ambassador Jeffrey.