Iraqi Prime Minister Softens Ultimatum as Militias Stand Ground in Basra

[Hissyspit]

Source: McClatchy Newspapers

Iraqi prime minister softens ultimatum as militias stand ground in Basra
By Leila Fadel, McClatchy Newspapers
Fri Mar 28, 8:45 PM ET

BAGHDAD — Four days into a major government offensive in Basra, Iraqi government forces have been unable to dislodge Shiite Muslim militias from their strongholds in the southern port city, prompting Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to back off his ultimatum to disarm by Friday.

As Maliki softened his demand, offering cash to anyone who turns in medium to heavy weapons in the next 10 days, U.S. military involvement intensified with U.S. aircraft striking two targets in Basra, according to a British military spokesman.

The U.S. military said a Navy fixed wing aircraft had struck a mortar crew, killing three.

U.S. ground forces clashed with militants in New Baghdad, Kadhemiya and Sadr City, all Mahdi Army militia strongholds in the Iraqi capital. Airstrikes also were conducted in Kadhemiya and Sadr City, as well as in Adhamiyah, a mostly Sunni neighborhood, residents said.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20080329/wl_mcclatchy/2893713

[DavidDvorkin]

1. "How about the end of the year? Does that work for you?"

"Or later?"

[Magleetis]

2. More signs of success n/t

[ConcernedCanuk]

3. Now who in their right mind is gonna give up their weapons in an OCCUPIED country?

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Unless it's a benevolent trustworthy occupier like the United States.

[MidwestTransplant]

4. "New Baghdad"

Is that the "up and coming" part of the city where all the Realtors are trying to pump!

You will love this neighborhood. 15 foot blast walls and out of mortar range from those shooting at the green zone. :)