‘No change’ since Saddam’s fall, Shiites say

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/11934566.htm

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Since the guns fell silent in Sadr City last November, Baghdad’s sprawling Shiite district has been the safest place in the Iraqi capital – no car bombings, no suicide attacks, roadside bombs or assassinations.

But security and political empowerment of Sadr City’s estimated 2.5 million residents have brought little improvement to life. Lengthy power cuts and open sewage drains remain the norm. Running water is scarce and many streets are strewn with garbage.

In many ways, the district’s reality is similar to that of other former Iraqi hotspots where the end of violence has failed to change the quality of life. Pledges of reconstruction funds have failed to materialize, been slow in coming or poorly managed.

In the case of Sadr city, the absence of a peace dividend is boosting the standing of Muqtada al-Sadr, the anti-American cleric whose militiamen are loyal to his Imam al-Mahdi Army and fought U.S. troops last year.

[RPM]

1. Seems like no electricity and sewage also....

winning hearts and minds :eyes:

[IndianaGreen]

2. The Left did say that a post-Saddam Iraq would be more anti-Western and

anti-Israel than it was under Saddam. Millions marched against this criminal war, to no avail. What we see now is but the tip of the iceberg of what is to come. I hope the neocons in America and in Israel are pleased with themselves once Iraq becomes another version of Iran, but one seeking vengeance against the US and Israel for the suffering they have endured.