« Wild RideWar Still On Here, Too »
Not over yet, contrary to what Iowans would prefer you to think. News and views:
Al-Sadr and al-Hakim’s men sit down to hash out issues. It is played as a good thing, to bring peace to the Shiite south, and it may be, though I suspect a quick militia Kumbayah chorus is little more than a repositioning for advantage.
It was at least the second formal overture al-Sadr has made to Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim and his Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, the largest Shiite political party, in less than a week.
Peace between the two — who each control powerful militias — is seen as key to preventing the outbreak of widespread fighting in oil-rich southern Iraq, where the British military recently handed over responsibility for security to Iraq’s government in Basra, the last province it controlled.
…
A delegation from al-Sadr’s office in Kufa, led by Sheik Muhanned al-Gharrawi, met with the Dhi Qar provincial governor Aziz Kadhim Alwan, a member of al-Hakim’s party, and other local officials in Nasiriyah, about 200 miles southeast of Baghdad. In the past, al-Sadr followers have had violent clashes with the governor’s guards.
“The province should live in peace and security without armed violence and disorder,” Alwan said after the meeting. Al-Gharrawi said the talks were meant to “end political and military” violence in the province and “to protect citizens’ lives.”
…
The differences between the two camps, however, are too complex and deep to be resolved at the level of Thursday’s meeting. Their rivalry mirrors class distinctions within the Shiite community as well as the longtime competition of the al-Sadr and al-Hakim families for the religious leadership of the holy city of Najaf, Shiite Islam’s primary seat of learning.
The rivalry is likely to come to a head when local elections are held nationwide, possibly this year. The two camps will spare no effort to dominate provincial councils in nine provinces south of Baghdad. Beside the oil reserves, southern Iraq has a prize in the wealth and prestige of the shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala, visited by millions every year.
The news buried in the same article is actually more interesting. Al-Hakim does an end run around al-Maliki, with a Shiite valentine for the Sunnis:
Separately on Thursday, al-Hakim called for unity among Shiites, arguing that closing ranks would benefit the whole of Iraq since they are the majority.
“Every one must work to support and boost this unity,” he told supporters in Najaf.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Sunni militias, which have more than 70,000 members, to the decline in violence and called for their use in the continuing fight against al-Qaida in Iraq.
“Today, we are witnessing the decline of terrorism and the progress of reconciliation on the popular level with Sunni-Shiite solidarity,” he said, alluding to the government’s perceived failure to achieve political reconciliation among Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish groups.
U.S. commanders have also credited the Sunni militias with playing a major role in the decline in violence over the past six months.
But Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s government has been deeply uneasy about the potential for the Sunni fighters — now better-organized and armed — to switch sides again, posing a threat to stability and the Shiite domination that followed the ouster of Saddam Hussein’s Sunni-led regime.
NYT with more on al-Hakim’s Sunnier view.
IHT via Military.com: The dark side of the Sunni Awakening, inter-group rivalries.
AP: Vehicle ban in Baquba vs. AQ suicide bombs
AP: Gains could be reversed if eye is taken off ball. Gen. Rick Lynch: “The enemy’s still out there … My concern is when people begin to use words like defeat. We haven’t defeated the enemy; we clearly have the enemy on the run.”
Roggio’s LongWarJournal puts a finer point on it.
On the ground, Michael Totten takes a stroll in Fallujah in “Have a plan to kill everyone you meet.” He doesn’t.
A bittersweet groundview from Blackfive: Operation Puppy Love
Small Wars Journal, somewhat more wonkishly, examines the other half of counter-insurgency and U.S. insitutional nation-building deficiencies. Also, a surge roundup.
National Journal looks back, exhaustively picks apart Lancet’s 2004 654,956 Iraqi death toll, gets editor to admit discomfort. Scalp dangling on the lodgepole a warning to other politically inclined scientists in an election year? Should be.
Gateway: “Gimme an I … Gimme an R … Gimme an A … Gimme a Q!” and Sunni leaders blast AQ, roundup.
Despite the coronation of Aw Shucks and Obie in the cornfields, there still is an election going on. Newsweek rounds up the candidates on Iraq. Some of them, of course, much like their positions, are no longer relevant.
For a last word on that, via Badgers Forward in the field, some perspective.
Topics: Iraq
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 10:52 am on Friday, January 4, 2008
Leave a Reply
Trackback URL
You must be logged in to post a comment.
zoloft long distance running G Postmessage Propecia Smiley Post accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Lipitor Congestion lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prozac And Men difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Clomid Steroids symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Canine Prednisone Side Effects prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Subaction Showcomments Propecia Optional Watch accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Order Propecia Online lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Penis Growth Pills difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Zoloft Paxil Differences symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Female Version Of Viagra prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor;
U 3312 Viagra Cialis accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short G Postmessage Cialis Subject Online lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Accutane Before After difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Subaction Showcomments Cialis Archive Watch symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Alternatives To Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Adding Prozac To Drinking Water accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prozac And Percocet lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Propecia Baldness difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone And Mania symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prednisone 10 Mg prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Subaction Showcomments Cialis Smile Newest accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Side Effectts Of Cipro lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft And Lorazepam difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Diuretic Lasix symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prostatitis And Zithromax prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Medication And Prednisone accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Levitra Vs Viagra lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Generic Lexapro difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Query Lowest Cialis Price Online symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Buying Nolvadex prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa G Postmessage Propecia Subject Remember accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Get Off Prozac lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Cialis Vision difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone 20mg symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prozac Dose Side Effect prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Is Ultracet Addictive accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Nexium Canada lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Nexium Side Effects difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cheapest Cialis symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Prozac Weight Gain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Cheap Cialis accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Clomid Side Effects lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Treatment Of Ocd With Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Levitra Side Effects symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment, What Is Prednisone Used For prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Accutane And Results accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Mexican Rx Cialis Low Price lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; G Postmessage Propecia Smiley Reply difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Purepac Prednisone symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Cialis Effect On Women prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Accutane Buy Canada Pharmacy lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Herbal Meds Compatible With Clomid difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prozac Suicide Class Action Lawsuit symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prednisone Without Prescription prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Cipro For Uti accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft Dosage lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Cipro Rem Sleep difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Lexapro Weight Gain symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Bad Side Effects Of Prednisone prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Esophageal Achalasia Swallowing Difficulties Nexium accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prednisone Poison Oak lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Cialis Story difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Nexium Cost symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Cheap Generic Cialis prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Canine Prednisone accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Resting Heart Rate Lipitor lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Manufactor Of Prozac difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Titration symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Prozac And Weight Gain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Nexium Rebate accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zithromax Cost lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prednisone For Dogs difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cipro Dose Cat symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Symptoms Of Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Alcohol And Zoloft accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Subaction Showcomments Cialis Thanks Newest lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Drug Interaction Prozac Sulfamethoxazol Trimethoprim difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Simcor Vs Lipitor symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Akathisia Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prednisone Homeopathic Replacement accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft Negative Side Effects lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Prednisone Homopathic Replacement difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Lasix Online symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Cialis Overnight prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Tadalafil Cialis From India accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Subaction Showcomments Cialis Thanks Watch lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Generic difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Accutane Long Term Side Effects symptoms of zoloft working!
get a prescription for propecia Zoloft Thin Blood prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Multiple Sclerosis Lipitor Bad Reaction accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Clomid Pdr lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Akathisias difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cipro Warnings symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Secret Side Effects Of Zoloft prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prednisone And Blood Pressure accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! New Drug Cialis lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects;
Subaction Showcomments Propecia Archive Newest difference between lexapro and celexa
prednisone menstrual cycle! Side Effects Of Cialis symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Info Levitra prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Buy Lasix Without Prescription accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Cialis For Order lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Buspar Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Information symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Lipitor Instructions Side Effects accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Cialis Injury Lawyer Ohio lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Zoloft Side Effects difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Weaning Off Prednisone symptoms of zoloft working!
cipro and std treatment,
Prozac Side Affects prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Cialis Faq accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Zoloft With Wellbutrin lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Lexapro Withdrawal difference between lexapro and celexa
clomid with triplets Cialis 20mg symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Atavan And Prozac prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa Prozac Long Term Use accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Prednisone Tremors lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects; Accutane Attorneys California difference between lexapro and celexa
clomid with triplets Levitra Medicine symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Lipitor And Muscle Pain prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
How Does Cialis Work accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Stopping Zoloft lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Side Effects Lexapro difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Prednisone Dogs Shrink Tumor symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost India Viagra Cialis Vicodin prednisone stopped taking side effects;
difference between lexapro and celexa
Buy Cialis In The Uk accutane timeline
clomid dosage lutenizing hormone short Cialis Lawyer Ohio lipitor drug cost
lipitor is there a generic; Average Dose For Zoloft difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Zoloft Overdose symptoms of zoloft working!
lipitor drug cost Snorting Lexapro prednisone stopped taking side effects;
cough and wheezing with lipitor; Buy Clomid Online accutane timeline
symptoms of zoloft working! Atlanta Accutane Law Suits lipitor drug cost
January 4th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Nothing brings home the fact that the war is still going on like reading something like this.
January 5th, 2008 at 3:24 am
RebeccaH, it was a piece for posterity. And it should be promoted as such.