Richard,

Hi, and thanks for your sentiments.

I feel it is really time that I told you in more details some of my views regarding the current state of affairs in Iraq. More specifically, it is necessary that I convey some of my concerns regarding the way the Americans are dealing with the sectarian issue and particularly the relations with the Shiaa majority in Iraq and the larger issue of the Shiaa in the whole region including Iran. I think this is one of the more urgent issues at the moment and it is essential that American policy deals with it with wisdom, intelligence and the utmost caution.

God's willing, I must find some time this friday to talk about it.

Regards.