What's going on in Basra?

If you're not watching Iraq closely, this may not be interesting to you. The recent upsurge in violence in Basra appears to be a small ripple reflecting much bigger issues involving the United Iraqi Alliance, the group which put Prime Minister Maliki in power.

Effectively, a small Shia party based in Basra, Fadhila, is threatening a go-slow on Iraq's oil exports until they get concessions from the Maliki's government. The violence in Basra appears to be an outgrowth of this conflict.

"With beleaguered British troops trying to hold the ring in Basra, London has pressed Maliki to intervene, pointing out that the credibility of the Alliance-led government is at stake."

So, just something to watch, I guess.