How’s That Surge Working Out?
Dr. Cole reports on the current situation in Iraq:
Al-Zaman reports in Arabic that members of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI, formerly SCIRI, led by Abdul Aziz al-Hakim); the Da’wa Party led by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki; and the Badr Corps paramilitary of ISCI have fled their HQs in Basra and Kut, because of the threat that they will be stormed by Mahdi Army militiamen [seeking revenge for the current offensive], In fact, some such buildings already have been attacked.
Eyewitnesses reported clashes on Tuesday in Sadr City, east Baghdad, led by Mahdi Army militiamen against American and Iraqi forces. The latter had encircled Sadr City, while the Mahdi Army roamed its streets within. The sound of gunfire could be heard, and helicopter gunships were seen hovering above.
Nassar al-Rubaie, a leader of the Sadrist parliamentary bloc, announced that it would boycott parliamentary sessions until the targetting of his people ceased. The Sadrists have 30 seats in parliament.
Gunships are a good way to kill a lot of innocent people in an urban setting and make the problem even worse.
For those playing at home:
- The Da’wa Party in Iraq is part of the same movement as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- ISCI = SIIC = SCIRI and was founded in Iran by exiled Iraqis opposed to Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War. It was created with the assistance of the Iranian government, and it’s military wing, the Badr Corps, was created, trained, and equipped by the Iranian Quds Force.
- The Sadrists are an indigenous Iraqi movement, centered in Baghdad, who oppose all foreign involvement, including US and Iran, in the affairs of Iraq. They opposed Saddam and many of their leaders were murdered for their opposition. They would prefer that Iraq remain a single nation and have reached out to Sunnis and Kurds. They have the numbers to win a confrontation in Baghdad and the South.
- The US is currently supporting the Iraqi political parties associated with Hezbollah and Iran, as well as funding former Sunni allies of Saddam.
I hope that clears things up.
4 comments
So the US is supporting terrorists in Iraq?
By their own definitions of who is a terrorist, absolutely – MNF-I should be listed as a terrorist organization.
Sure, Bryan, but you’re not going to make that point stick. However, if we are actively sponsoring and training and equipping terrorists who want the downfall of the US…
By the rules they defined when they listed the Quds Force as a terrorist group, and their open support of the government of Iraq, they are offering material aid and support to terrorists in violation of US law.
This is what happens when there is no consistency in foreign policy. If people can be convicted of aiding terrorists because they donate money to pay for medical supplies to Bosnian Muslims through an organization that also provides medical supplies to Hamas for hospitals in Gaza, this should be a slam-dunk.