The Mahdi flare as symbolic of failure
Some of the coverage of the current Mahdi flare up is a bit too far. It is certainly a significant development, but we're yet to know whether this is one battle or the beginning of a significant shift.
BUT, I would like to point out that this current situation with the Mahdi is symbolic of the larger failures of the Iraq policy. Much like relations with the Sunnis and other groups, the Mahdi had entered a relatively long period of agreed limited violence, but, during that time, none of their political issues were dealt with.
There were nine months in there, and, like the Sunnis, the political issues that drove their violence were largely ignored.
BUT, I would like to point out that this current situation with the Mahdi is symbolic of the larger failures of the Iraq policy. Much like relations with the Sunnis and other groups, the Mahdi had entered a relatively long period of agreed limited violence, but, during that time, none of their political issues were dealt with.
There were nine months in there, and, like the Sunnis, the political issues that drove their violence were largely ignored.
posted by mikevotes at
7:50 AM
5 Comments:
Maliki and Al-Hakeem are trying to squeeze Muqtada out. The Sunnis want Kirkuk.
By
Anonymous, at 10:12 AM
Yeah. But Sadr still pulls half of the Shia support.
By
mikevotes, at 11:41 AM
True but I don't think the Mahdi army is set up for a long conflict. They may be pushing to see how the occupiers react. I do expect them to get some political concessions out of this.
By
Anonymous, at 11:51 AM
Actually, I think the Mahdi is probably better set up for a longer conflict than open street fighting.
Hiding among their people, attacking insurgent style against the poor tactics of the Iraqi military as they try to run patrols.
They've been building arms caches and support for months and months.
By
mikevotes, at 2:01 PM
You're right. They are good at that kind of fighting and definitely in a position to make lots of trouble for Maliki.
By
Anonymous, at 2:17 PM
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