WASHINGTON, DC -- Secretary of State Colin Powell's recent visit to Sudan has led to a decision to transfer several thousand U.S. troops from Iraq to the Sudan, in order to lead an international peacekeeping contingency.
    Initial reports from Washington indicate the largest number of replacement forces will come from Israel. Sources inside the Defense Department say that Defense Secretary Rumsfeld has determined that the best way to help Iraqis accept the prolonged deployment of international forces will be to get regional powers more involved.
    Many Arab-Americans expressed "bewilderment" at the reports that Israeli forces will be responsible for security in Iraq. A local resident of Palestinian descent said, "I know that President Bush never bothers to read a newspaper, but I always thought at least someone in the government kept an eye on Al-Jazeera."