Iraq's Sadr cannot be defeated by force: experts
By Peter Graff
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr says the next step is "open war". The U.S.-backed government shows no sign of backing down.
Suddenly, after many months in which the news from Iraq has been mostly about falling violence, the country is reeling towards a rebellion by millions of Sadr's followers against a government crackdown on his black-masked Mehdi Army militia.
Ultimately, say experts, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki may never be able to defeat the popular cleric by force, and his attempt to do so could make Iraq far more unstable at a time when U.S. troops are reducing in numbers.
So far, Maliki has averted disaster.
After embarrassing early mishaps in their month-old campaign in the southern oil hub of Basra, government forces have scored a number of military gains. They now control Sadr's main strongholds in Basra, and residents report that the iron grip of religious militia on life there has eased.
Maliki, also a Shi'ite, has won full backing for the crackdown, from both Washington and a broad range of Iraqi politicians including his former Sunni Arab foes.
But the young anti-American cleric has a devoted following.
His strongholds in the poorest Shi'ite parts of Baghdad are a danger zone for troops, and his heavily armed fighters are itching for battle, especially after Sadr threatened "open war until liberation" unless the government halted the offensive. Continued...
Greek crisis sets euro zone enlargement back
The Greek debt crisis has dealt a setback to prospects of enlarging the euro zone by highlighting the difficulties of managing the single currency area. Full Article
Good for Afghanistan efforts
An easing of tension between India and Pakistan should help U.S.-led efforts to stabilise Afghanistan. Full Article











