Quote:
Originally Posted by Joemailman
You had the Shiite-led Iraqi government, backed by the United States, going after the Shiite-led Mahdi Army which wants the U.S. out of Iraq. The main reason these two groups are fighting each other is the U.S. occupation. As long as we occupy the country, there will be groups like the Mahdi Army that refuse to recognize the legitimacy of the government.
The Mahdi Army wants to U.S. out so that they can seize power in a miltary coup. That's been the story all along.
Recall that the Mahdi Army was a huge importer of Sears Black & Decker drills. They specialized in drilling holes in peoples heads and bodies before murdering them. And I'm not talking about a few instances, this is their signature. The Mahdi Army has cleansed 80% of Baghdad of Sunnis.
The provincial elections next fall are a HUGE deal. Right now, the provinces have little power, and they don't have much legitimacy. The elections next fall will really show which groups are popular and where. I think (finally) having those election will bring some measure of stability to Iraq. The frustration of the inept central government will be diffused by increasingly empowered regional alternative.
al-Sadr seems to be following a political tract now, he figure out this can work for him.
I agree with you in a general sense, U.S. has to be out for stability. I disagree with McCain's mention of a permanent presence. But your "sooner the better" I just can't buy.