Iraq government asked to begin disarming militias

[ECH1969]

A major Sunni group is holding talks with the Iraqi government over disarming of the Shiite militia belonging to Moqtada Al Sadr, Iraqi political sources said.

Sunni locations in Baghdad, such as Saydiya, Hurriya and Doura, are witnessing attacks by men in black clothes, believed to be members of the Mehdi Army.

Sources in the Iraqi Accordance Front are negotiating with Iraq Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki to chalk out procedures to disarm militias and deter the Mehdi Army in Baghdad. "Al Maliki is ready to take additional ... procedures against the Mehdi Army. But apparently is under pressure from religious Shiite leaders to stop ...taking serious measures in this respect," said a source in the Front.

Sources in Meshaan Al Jubouri's group, a Sunni Member in Parliament, told Gulf News Al Maliki's plans to rid the Ministry of Interior of Al Sadr elements is greatly criticised by religious leaders in Najaf and Karbala.

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/09/27/10070457.html

[joemurphy]

1. Here comes the "real" civil war. n/t

[bluerum]

2. They need to be asked?

Why have they not been making concerted efforts? Isn't protecting the citizens, keeping militias from slaughtering the civilian population one of the governments, ANY governments purpose for existing?

[Kagemusha]

3. What if the Prime Minister was elected because of such a militia?

And would not have been Prime Minister, nor would there even have been a government, had it not been for that militia's political leadership providing the necessary support?

What if you don't have reliable military, police or paramilitary forces?

[ECH1969]

5. The main reason the police aren't reliable

is that they are more loyal to militas then they are the central government. The people don't trust the police because they are basically death squads.

[bluerum]

7. I know. This whole mess points to Rumsfelds complete

misunderstanding of the political structure in the country.

[rodeodance]

4. i do not think anyone has asked nor demanded that any group dis-arm

[bluerum]

6. They need to ask ?? People are being slaughtered !! It is hard to

to ask for protection once you are dead.

The point is, that there appears to be some "high level approval" of what is going on, or else there would have been something done about it by now. Or are they that incompetent?

[BattyDem]

8. Oh yeah ... that'll be a piece of cake!

:eyes:

If it's not a civil war by now, it will be!

[pinkpops]

9. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of ...

a free state.... The Iraqis may want to open a branch of the NRA. Where is Charlton Heston when you need him?

[Kagemusha]

10. Well-regulated my rump. In Iraq, anyway.

Just saying..