Now
Fair
45°
High
74°
Low
50°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Bruning visits northern Iraq

Comments 47 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

BY HILARY KINDSCHUH / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 04:35:09 pm CDT

This week Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is visiting a part of Iraq that he says is very different from the image most Americans have of the country.

Bruning, along with several other politicians and businessmen, is spending a week in Kurdistan, a relatively autonomous region in northern Iraq, as a guest of the Kurdistan Regional Government, which paid for the trip. He talked with reporters about his trip during a conference call Wednesday afternoon.

“The Kurds and northern Iraq are really the other Iraq,” Bruning said. “It’s not what you imagine from the U.S., or what I imagine from the U.S., and that is a war-torn, destroyed place.

Story Photo
Attorney General Jon Bruning

Related Media

AG Jon Bruning from northern Iraq

Attorney General Jon Bruning is in northern Iraq this week at the request of the Kurdistan Regional Government.  Kurdistan, located in northern I...

Comments: 0
Rated:

“It’s a wonderful place.”

Bruning, who arrived in Kurdistan early Monday, has met with Kurdistan’s foreign minister, planning minister and agricultural minister, and he plans to meet with the prime minister Thursday, he said.

On Wednesday the visitors toured a former torture prison where many Kurds were killed under the reign of Saddam Hussein, Bruning said.

“(The Kurds) turn the other cheek many times, despite Saddam’s atrocities,” Bruning said. “They have not returned those atrocities in kind.”

Kurdish officials have spoken with their visitors about the ongoing dispute over the oil fields of Kirkuk in northern Iraq, Bruning said.

“The Kurds have been very open,” he said. “They have not had the violence that many believe is a hallmark of Iraq.”

It is in America’s interest to have good relations with the Kurdish people, Bruning said.

“As Americans we certainly need to build relationships around the world with our fellow inhabitants of this planet, and the Kurds are one of the kindest, gentlest people I’ve ever seen,” he said.

The United States needs more allies in the Middle East, Bruning said.

“My fear is, with the American elections coming up, if the Democrats win, we will abandon Iraq yet again,” Bruning said. “And our allies here in Kurdistan yet again.

“And the American people need to know that peace and stability in this region are somewhat dependent on our presence, at least for the time being.”

Reach Hilary Kindschuh at 473-7120 or hkindschuh@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
pollencruncher wrote on May 7, 2008 12:21 pm:
" Over there in the middle east means Bruning is not attending to Nebraska business as we elected him to attend to in the state. Reading the headlines of late maybe we can get a one way ticket for future travel to some place in the middle east and not have a absent elected offical.Have we sent out best and sharpest as an example of USA? "

 bonzo wrote on May 7, 2008 12:35 pm:
" Maybe we can get the Kurds to keep him? "

 oh my wrote on May 7, 2008 12:36 pm:
" Bruning should stay7 here and go after the price gouging gas stations "

 Recall Bruning wrote on May 7, 2008 12:42 pm:
" Sick of his politicking. We need an AG that will do their job.ss "

 What wrote on May 7, 2008 12:46 pm:
" Why? Didnt anyone tell them Bruning is not considered a 'leader' here? Good luck on your vacation John - far be it you pay attention to Nebraska and the back log of cases you have piling up! "

 Keep him wrote on May 7, 2008 12:53 pm:
" I hope it was a one-way ticket. "

 Eric wrote on May 7, 2008 12:58 pm:
" Quick, Gov. Heinemann hire a REAL attorney general before this one gets back.
"

 abbe wrote on May 7, 2008 1:11 pm:
" And just why is this part of his duties as Nebraska AG? Even though we are not paying for it directly, is he taking vacation time? Just curious. "

 DR wrote on May 7, 2008 1:15 pm:
" Are you kidding me? There are a lot better nebraskans then Jon Bruning to tell people about the "other Iraq". If we don't trust this guy when it comes to price fixing at the pumps, or Republican River issues, or a host of any other issues, than why would we trust him with this. Send somebody who actually matters. There are plenty of well educated people in this state that could do a better job of representing the U.S. to Kurdistan, pick one. "

 Jason wrote on May 7, 2008 1:18 pm:
" What does that have to do with the problems facing this state? Why does he find in necessary to be there? Oh right, he wants to be a senator. What a joke. "

 Bill wrote on May 7, 2008 1:27 pm:
" Think they'd be willing to keep him? "

 airedale wrote on May 7, 2008 1:35 pm:
" Wow this seems like time well spent by our State AG . "

 me wrote on May 7, 2008 1:42 pm:
" I don't think this guy could get elected as dog catcher at this point. No loss. "

 Jeff wrote on May 7, 2008 2:08 pm:
" Ha - I wonder what they think Jon has to offer them. And they've got money to be flying people over there? Did they borrow the money from China like we do? So he is being used as a political instrument for propoganda? They are probably lobbying to be made a separate country from the rest of the political mess that is Iraq. Can Jon help them with that? This story is amazing on several levels. "

 MarkyMark wrote on May 7, 2008 3:10 pm:
" Do the Kurds know that Bruning is just an attorney general from a lightly populated state? They may want their money back. "

 JD wrote on May 7, 2008 4:28 pm:
" He DOES realize that Attorney General doesn't make him an ACTUAL "General," right?

For everyone's reference, a list of Attorney General duties and responsibilities (compliments of General Jon Bruning's webpage)
http://www.ago.state.ne.us/your/jonbruning/responsibilities.htm "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on May 7, 2008 4:56 pm:
" I'm trying to figure out exactly why the Nebraska Attorney General has much reason for touring Northern Iraq. This just seems a bit odd to me. I am also phenomenally sick of his blatant party line mentality. "I'm afraid if the democrats win...." You know...I'm a republican and am so utterly sick of the reasoning! Can we first look at the issue before spouting off that the democrats or republicans are wrong!

It certainly doesn't surprise me that Bruning would act like this. While in law school he was know for his "liberalness" and his venomous attacks on republicans. Now he just flops to the other side because he knows there is very little political hay to make when you're a democrat in the state. You know, Jon, you may think its a fraternity meeting, but you are actually supposed to be serving the people of Nebraska. It would be nice if the top attorney in the land would drop the political rhetoric and for once try to do his job! You're a joke and when I listen to you talk I'm embarrassed to call myself a republican! "

 Nina wrote on May 7, 2008 5:06 pm:
" I'm with Bonzo. And I hope we citizens are not paying for his little jaunt to Kurdsville. But wait, I'm changing my mind - Northern Iraqis generally appreciate Americans, and we need to get him out of there before they meet him and change their minds! "

 WONDERING wrote on May 7, 2008 5:28 pm:
" Maybe he can show the Kurds how to deny the Turks in-state tution and benefits. "

 Someone... wrote on May 7, 2008 6:56 pm:
" Needs to run against Jon Bruning for Attorney General, be it a Republican, Democrat, Green, whatever party...there has to be a more qualified lawyer who can fulfill the duties of AG and uphold the laws, instead of looking out for their own political career and using the office to tote their own political agenda as AG Jon Bruning has repeatedly done. He is not representing Nebraskans, nor is he upholding our laws and protecting us! Time to get the broom out and do some spring cleaning in the AG office! "

 Wow wrote on May 7, 2008 7:57 pm:
" 20 for 20 negative comments about Bruning. Some very humorous! "

 Alix Gibson wrote on May 7, 2008 8:10 pm:
" What the devil is he doing over there? Did the NEOC buy him a one way ticket? I sure hope so. "

 Mike D wrote on May 7, 2008 8:48 pm:
" Bruning is running for every other office except the one he currently has!!!!! "

 Good for him wrote on May 7, 2008 9:27 pm:
" I still can't figure out why the Nebraska AG needs to go to Northern Iraq unless it was just a paid vacation. "

 Tom wrote on May 7, 2008 9:32 pm:
" What a bunch of whinners! I applaud the AG for showing his genuine concern for our Troops. Thanks for supporting our Troops Mr. AG! "

 Stay there wrote on May 7, 2008 10:22 pm:
" Hey Bruning, do us all a favor and don't come back! You have repeatedly set aside your duty as attorney general lately and now you leave to go to Iraq. You sir are a disgrace to your job and the people of Nebraska. If the Kurds wish to keep you, that will be fine by me.

We have some good people representing us in the state, including some that I sit on the opposite side of the fence from: I think Foley is doing an outstanding job. He does his job beautifully and he leaves politics at home. Bruning (and others) should take a lesson. "

 anne wrote on May 7, 2008 10:24 pm:
" What is wrong with all of you. Can't you see that he's looking for potential illegal aliens over there! That's our Jon...always on the job. Yeah, right! "

 Matt wrote on May 7, 2008 10:42 pm:
" Tom. Its not about his genuine concern for the troops. I certainly have no problem that he's concerned with the situation in Iraq...who isn't?? My problem is that he's the attorney general of Nebraska. He is not the governor and he's not a senator. He really has no business whatsoever representing our state on any international front. "

 biancalana wrote on May 7, 2008 10:46 pm:
" Can he stay for 100 years as per McCain's directive? "

 whatever wrote on May 8, 2008 5:17 am:
" And exactly why is Bruning needed in Iraq? And as I recall Bush I encouraged the Iraqi Kurds into rebellion after Gulf War I, but later recanted. I further recall Mr. Hussein's ruthless reprisal against the rebels. My fears is, with the American elections coming up, if the Republicans win, we will continue to abandon the principles this country is/was based on and sacrifice the Constitution in name of freedom and security. "

 Oh Tom Please wrote on May 8, 2008 6:05 am:
" Don't you wonder what the AG of Nebraska is duing in Iraq? The poor guy tries to pull every political rabbit out of every hat and tends to come out with a used kleenex and a banana peel every time. This is such a self-serving political move that even most Nebraskans recognise it as such. "

 Bob G wrote on May 8, 2008 7:01 am:
" Shouldn't he be here in Nebraska doing his job instead of in Iraq prepping for his next run for higher office? "

 Fullerton Flash wrote on May 8, 2008 7:06 am:
" Great to see our indefatigable Top Gun enforcing Nebraska's laws over in Kurdistan. Probably investigating whether there are any Kurdish gas stations that are using bait & switch advertising. Hope there are no Kurdish EEO laws that would bother our Mr. Bruning. I for one will sleep much better at night knowing our AG is willing to fight crime no matter what where any junket might take him.

"

 CS wrote on May 8, 2008 7:29 am:
" To Tom (above)

What part of the article (or even Bruning's statements) talked about "our troops". He's in Northern Iraq - not many US troops are there. This trip is totally about posturing for political gain. And getting out of town while the NEOC thing was still going strong. Additionally, the US relationship with the Kurds is somewhat strained anyway, so it's just another example of Bruning not even knowing the situation within his own country let alone state. "

 TC wrote on May 8, 2008 8:12 am:
" His fear that is if the democrats win that we will abandon Iraq and the Kurds again - well, who the heck did the first time.
Yes, George Sr. "

 Bruning Supporter wrote on May 8, 2008 8:45 am:
" This trip may be somewhat unnecessary, but we didn't pay for it, and it's short. Most of you are just angry at him for the illegal alien situation, so you immediately fault him for "taking a vacation". Jon Bruning, I applaud you for being a diplomatic official. States rights are important, so I value more local faces finding out what the situation is more than distant federal officials. "

 david wrote on May 8, 2008 9:10 am:
" Some of you people really should lighten up. Do you seriously expect Bruning to slave away 24 hours a day 365 days a year? So he took a trip to Iraq paid for by Iraq, I don't see the big deal "

 please stay wrote on May 8, 2008 9:14 am:
" Can they keep him. Maybe Customs won't let him back into the USA (that would be ideal). "

 The Ed wrote on May 8, 2008 9:49 am:
" Can we cancel his return flight? Please? Or maybe he is just learning from the Iraqis how to be an even worse Attorney General than he already is. Or he could be showing them how to be discrimintory to people they don't like and not uphold the laws of the land. "

 lol wrote on May 8, 2008 10:15 am:
" Dear Government of Kurdistan;

We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for inviting our great Attorney General from the State of Nebraska to your country and for extending your hospitality to him. As a token of our appreciation, and in honor of our newly found friendship, please accept Jon Bruning for an indefinite period of time to be used as you see fit, preferably hard labor.
"

 Jean Scali wrote on May 8, 2008 12:17 pm:
" Would someone please tell me why, John Brunning is part of a delegation to visit Kurdistan?

What can the attorney general do for them? Of what value is his visit?

Could it be, perhaps, to push a Republican agenda of keeping our troops over in Iraq and spenind another $895 Billion?

"

 Rob wrote on May 8, 2008 12:36 pm:
" From his responsibilities page on his website:

- Uphold and protect the civil rights of all Nebraskans

Thats a good one. "

 No We Arent wrote on May 8, 2008 3:14 pm:
" mad at Mr. Bruning only for this NEOC situation. It's just the most recent of Mr. Bruning's less than professional actions. He needs to be in his own private law firm where he can only damage people who choose to retain him as their attorney. "

 Half you see nothing you hear wrote on May 8, 2008 3:46 pm:
" Be sure and read the just issued press release in today's LJS. Bruning is attempting to deflect the negative reaction to his visit to Iraq. In a word: Bruning is trying to "Save FACE" (pun intended).

I am glad to see that Nebraska joins 47 other state's efforts to reduce preying on our children. However, note that Bruning, contrary to what this story implies, did not accomplish this task on his own.

http://www.journalstar.com/news/nebraska/doc48234937319cd150881869.txt#blogcomments

"

 MJ wrote on May 8, 2008 4:18 pm:
" This is unbelievable that Nebraska's AG (of all people) would be spending his time in Iraq. Republicans and Democrats can we agree that this guy is doing little to serve the interest of our state. Can't we do better? "

 twister wrote on May 9, 2008 2:05 pm:
" Are we really that self-absorbed that we can't see the value in a Nebraska official developing relations with other nations? Kudos to Jon Bruning for being a true statesman. "

 Amber wrote on May 9, 2008 3:10 pm:
" Nebraska is an ag state, we need access to every market possible. I'm glad the Attorney General is taking a global view. "

More Stories In Local

Ads by Yahoo!