U.S., Iraq at odds over Sunni groups

[rodeodance]

Source: McClatchy Newspapers

Posted on Fri, Dec. 07, 2007
U.S., Iraq at odds over Sunni groups
Leila Fadel | McClatchy Newspapers

last updated: December 07, 2007 07:02:52 PM

BAGHDAD — The Baghdad neighborhood of Saidiyah is becoming the focal point of a growing battle between the U.S. military and the U.S.-backed Iraqi government over the burgeoning number of U.S.-financed armed groups known as "concerned local citizens."

U.S. officers in the neighborhood said that the Shiite Muslim-led government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki is undermining American efforts to bolster the volunteers, who are predominantly Sunni Muslims. At the same time, U.S. soldiers acknowledged that some of the volunteers could be sympathizers of al Qaida in Iraq and other anti-government organizations.

Saidiyah, in southwest Baghdad, remains a battle zone between Sunni and Shiite forces in a capital where sectarian cleansing has turned most formerly mixed neighborhoods into either Sunni or Shiite enclaves.

"Saidiyah is that final frontier, which is why it has the attention of the prime minister," said Lt. Col. Johnnie Johnson, the commander for the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Ga. The 4-64 took over U.S. responsibilities in the neighborhood more than a month ago. "The government is still stoking the fires of sectarianism," he said...............

Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/iraq/v-print/story/22767.html

[rockybelt]

1. Isn't it great

to outsource all this stuff? I don't know what could possibly go wrong here!