Mood in Sunni west Baghdad turns in favor of US troops

[Barrett808]

Mood in Sunni west Baghdad turns in favor of US troops
by Paul Schemm

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Predominantly Sunni western Baghdad has long been a battleground for US troops against a firmly entrenched insurgent presence backed by a population that appeared sympathetic to the rebels.

Now, however, that attitude is changing as the pace of sectarian violence quickens across the city and raises the grim specter of civil war.

For western Baghdad's mainly Sunni residents, Iraq's increasingly aggressive Shiite militias and their perceived allies in the post-war government security forces are a greater threat than the once hated Americans.

"There are armed Shiites from the Mehdi Army coming with the police and the police commandos wearing black uniforms, talking about getting revenge on the Sunnis," said Abdel Malik Ahmed, an engineer, living in Amiriyah neighborhood.

"The Americans are better. When they enter our neighborhood the whole area feels safe, because at least those detained by them won't be killed," he added.

"I can say it, and it makes me feel sad inside, but with their presence we feel more safe," said Saad al-Ani, a teacher from the same area.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060730/wl_mideast_afp/iraqusunrestbaghdad

[Erika]

1. We're stuck right in the middle of a civil war

that was predicted if W went into Iraq.

[midnight]

2. Mission accomplished.

Bring them home.

[David Dunham]

3. If this is so, why were 4 US troops killed there on Saturday?

[saigon68]

4. Whoever wrote that story is a Crack smoking ASSCLOWN

[SoCalDem]

5. Here are some other things Schemm has written

Reporter - Paul Schemm
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< More results from arabist.net >

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[Yupster]

6. I've been saying for three years

that the Sunni better hope we stay because after we leave the Mahdi Army can be called up to handle the Sunni problem by sending the whole population to Syria if they're lucky.