The lessons of Hezbullah

Tell me this doesn't sound familiar. (From an article on Sunni/Shia "house swapping" in Iraq.)

Supporters of radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have been particularly adept, using their control of the ministries of education, which oversees schools, and trade, which oversees the country's rationing system, to make sure families are comfortable in their new homes.

Sadrists greet new families, help them transfer their children to new schools, secure their streets, move their food ration card to the new community and in some cases provide gasoline at a time when there is a nationwide shortage.

Shiite residents who've swapped houses said they'd depended more on Sadr's political wing than the government to help them get acclimated in their new communities.

The Sadrists provide security and social services which the government of Iraq cannot, a page right out of the playbook of Hezbullah that has established their strong base in Lebanon. (Articles on Hezbullah's efforts: Time, Newsweek)