In Sadr City, a Cease-Fire Is Put to the Test, and Fails
In Sadr City, a Cease-Fire Is Put to the Test, and Fails
Link:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/12/world/middleeast/12sadr.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast&oref=slogin
Summary: An Iraqi armored motorcade sent through the Sadr City area of Baghdad to test the recent truce between militias and the Iraqi government was immediately attacked by three IEDs before even traveling ten meters, fortunately, only three soldiers were injured and no one was killed. Negotiators had struggled on both sides to agree to fair terms, namely the government would stop arresting militia members and raiding strongholds, and the militias would in turn stop the violence. There is some evidence most of the violence now is from Iranian backed groups that have no interest in a truce or peace, or that Sadrist members of pariliament have trouble bringing their armed members on board with their ideas. Other signs of violence and not following the truce were shown as RPGs were fired at soldiers and numerous roadside bombs were deactivated. It appears that the violence will continue until Moqtada al-Sadr issues a public statement condemning the violence and urging his followers to abide by the truce.
Analysis: This incidence was a blatant slap in the face for efforts for a truce. It also shows that sentiments against the new Iraqi government and army continue to run high in Sadr city and militia members completely disregard political polices. Sadr has a strong, violent following that may or may not directly take orders. This incidence highlights the difficulty achieving a peaceful Iraq because the source of these attacks is not known, so whether it was a lone fighter or high up Shiite militamen with Moqtada al-Sadr’s go-ahead who set the IED’s, it casts a pall of future negotiation with Sadrists. While attempts at a successful truce are ongoing, and civilians leave the area in search of a more peaceful life as the violence continues.
Filed under: Uncategorized
