Moving against the Mahdi
We're beginning to see signs that the US and Iraqis are beginning a process of going after "Shia militias south of Baghdad." I read that to mean that the US is now shifting to go after (renegade?) elements of the Mahdi army.
(Reuters) "U.S. soldiers and Iraqi militants exchanged fire after a rocket attack from a Shi'ite Mehdi Army militia stronghold on a U.S. base southeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police said on Thursday."
(NYTimes) "Iraqi Troops May Move to Reclaim Basra’s Port" (Backed by the US, of course.)
This is also notable after Sadr's recent comments that he was "stepping back" from the political removing his protective cover, and restrictions, from those Mahdi who want to fight the US.
I would argue this is why "the surge" was extended. (and maybe part of why Fallon left?)
Just something to keep an eye on.
(Reuters) "U.S. soldiers and Iraqi militants exchanged fire after a rocket attack from a Shi'ite Mehdi Army militia stronghold on a U.S. base southeast of Baghdad, Iraqi police said on Thursday."
(NYTimes) "Iraqi Troops May Move to Reclaim Basra’s Port" (Backed by the US, of course.)
This is also notable after Sadr's recent comments that he was "stepping back" from the political removing his protective cover, and restrictions, from those Mahdi who want to fight the US.
I would argue this is why "the surge" was extended. (and maybe part of why Fallon left?)
Just something to keep an eye on.
posted by mikevotes at
7:52 AM
2 Comments:
I've seen rumours that Sadr may be dead....or in hospital in Iran after 'food poisoning'.
By
Anonymous, at 9:16 AM
The "dead" rumors have been pretty much discredited. (Doesn't necessarily mean it's not accurate.)
The US tried spreading a bunch of these back when it was rumored Sadr went to Iran.
Right now I think he's just separating because he doesn't have much to gain from a fight between the MAhdi and US.
By
mikevotes, at 1:44 PM
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