Iraq blames Al Qaida revival on U.S. release of 4,000 insurgents

[sabra]

Source: World Tribune

BAGHDAD — Iraq has launched another offensive against Al Qaida, raiding suspected AQI strongholds throughout the Diyala province, capturing insurgents and confiscating suicide vests.

The Iraqi offensive was launched amid an AQI suicide bombing campaign in Baghdad and Mosul. Officials said AQI has revived its operational cells and intensified operations as the U.S. military prepares to withdraw from cities by June 30.

Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Atta Qassim said the resurgence of Al Qaida was fueled by the U.S. release of nearly 4,000 insurgents in 2009. Qassim said the released insurgents have been returning to both Al Qaida and organized crime.

Read more: http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_terror0365_05_07.asp

[ohio2007]

1. I thought it was because of the announced troop withdraw date that has them getting a second wind

They will claim victory becaus they are forcing the US to surrender and retreat in humiliation from Iraq.

A security officer searches adults and children on their way to prayers
in Baghdad's Sadr City district Friday, amid a recent rise in violence in Iraq.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124182231571302141.html

They plan on driving out the invaders from all major Iraqi cities by July 1st....

Thats what they say

[ohio2007]

2. Al-Qaeda pipeline through Syria reactivated

WASHINGTON (AFP) – A Syrian pipeline used by Al-Qaeda in Iraq to smuggle Islamic fighters into Iraq has been reactivated after a short lull, The Washington Post reported.

The newspaper said the revival of the transit route that officials had declared all but closed comes as the administration of President Barack Obama is exploring a new diplomatic dialogue with Syria.On Wednesday, acting Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Feltman and National Security Council official Daniel Shapiro arrived in Syria for their second visit since Obama's inauguration as president.However later last week, the administration renewed sanctions against Syria, accusing Damascus of supporting Mideast terrorism and undermining Iraqi stability.

snip

The military is particularly concerned about the area around Mosul, in the northwest near the Syrian border, which officials have described as the last bastion of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. "There was a period ... where we were probably seeing less than half a dozen foreign fighters being pushed through the network," the official told The Post.

More recently, he said, the estimate has risen to 20 a month, and various intelligence sources have noted an increased "demand call" in Iraq for foreign fighters.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090511/pl_afp/usattacksqaedairaqsyria_20090511052219

I thought Assad was going "to play ball" with Barack? This is the first I've seen that Obamas admin renewed sanctions.