Violence spreads across Iraq as army and militias clash

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/25/wiraq525.xml

Iraq was facing the prospect of nationwide revolt after followers of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr rose up in anger against a government-led strike on militia strongholds in Basra.

Violence spread across southern Iraq and into Baghdad after 12 were reported killed in Basra fighting.

Major Tom Holloway, a spokesman for British forces at Basra Airbase, said that the Iraqi army had mounted a cordon around two districts of the city and the police were raiding known militia positions.

Five districts of the central Iraqi city of Kut fell to Sadr followers during a demonstration.

A police spokesman said the authorities had asked for US military intervention.

[madokie]

1. and it all comes down to the Iraqi protecting what little they have left

from the likes of bushco. We need to get our troops asses out of there cause our presence is what is fueling this carnage for the most part.

[NNN0LHI]

2. Bush has taken everything from the Iraqi people but their dignity

I don't think he is going to get that.

Don

[SoCalDem]

3. Looks like Moqtada al-Sadr's army is done with their vacation

Remember when the surge was just being started? He made a clever and brilliant decision.. stand down his Mehdi Army.. why risk the lives of his men, when the place would be soon crawling with more US soldiers.. So..he went to Iran for a while, and as his men stood down, WE perceived this as a breakthrough..and no doubt are PAYING him to not start trouble... Of course Iran is probably paying him too (and re-equipping his army)...

Now that we have renegged on our promise to "un-surge"..all bets are off..

His men are rested and ready to go..

al Sadr WILL be the "new Saddam".. mark my words..

He's young, he's fiery, he's a cleric, Iran likes him, and he's a local guy, well liked by the majority of the Iraqi people for daring to stand up to the US..

we cannot "win" this one..