Good, bad and ugly of Iraq
By Mayada Al Askari, Staff Writer
Published: May 05, 2008, 00:28
When we look at Iraq today, we see two contrasting images. The bright side is represented by the conference that was held in Kuwait recently, where Iraq's neighbours and world powers hailed the Iraqi government in Baghdad for cracking down on militias.
The darker side is the breakdown in the command structure of Al Mahdi army, wherein several groups called the "special forces" do not abide by Moqtada Al Sadr's orders, which in turn has created a law and order situation in Basra.
On several occasions, Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has emphasised on his non-sectarian speech, which was embodied in his Sawlat Al Fursan (Charge of the Knights) operation that was launched to rein in Al Mahdi Army.
This move in itself amazed Iraqis, for it was inconceivable that a Shiite leader, such as Al Maliki, would raise a finger against a Shiite militant group, let alone lead a full fledged armed operation against them.
It might be easy for many to dismiss the operation as bloody and unnecessary, but Iraq's southern capital, Basra, was in dire straits and controlled by unruly militiamen. A large percentage of Basra's lawlessness was the result of illegal and criminal acts carried out by these forces and other illegal militias as well.
The current showdown between militiamen and Al Maliki's government has turned Al Sadr City into a prized possession for both sides. Each needs control of the district, on the outskirts of Baghdad, which was carved out in the 1950s for workers coming from the provinces.
Al Mahdi's "Special Forces" use the location to launch their 120 and 240 mm shells to hit the International Zone, and Al Maliki to enforce his newfound determination to enforce the "rule of law".
Cramped houses
In the 8-square-mile zone of Al Sadr City, where Shiites live in cramped houses that are packed along narrow alleyways, people are being killed indiscriminately. Needless to say, the innocent civilians are held by militiamen as human shields which is something Iraqis have become accustomed to since the days of Saddam Hussain.
The stalemate will continue for a while and the innocent will continue to be killed. Al Maliki refuses to negotiate with any party or group. He repeated on several occasions that the Iraqi government would neither talk nor deal with armed outlaws.
When I spoke to the Iraqi Prime Minister's Press Officer a few days ago, he said: "No, he will not negotiate with any group, as he is not targeting the Sadrists or any other group. The operation is targeting illegal militiamen, regardless of their affiliation. Al Maliki's sole purpose is for the rule of law to preside and for Iraq to enjoy stability, security and peace. This is his decision and he will never back down."
On the other hand, the Sadrists have contacted several senior Iraqi officials to be able to reach a deal for military operations against Al Sadr city to stop.
Even if they do, it will be futile, for two reasons, the first is the government says it's not targeting the Sadrists in particular, as its aim is to disarm all illegal armed groups.
The other reason is, the "Special Forces" responsible for all the unruliness in major parts of Baghdad and southern governorates do not obey Al Sadr, or any other Iraqi authority.
With the situation in a flux, the civilians suffer the most, which reminds us of the wild west of a hundred or more years ago.
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