The Battle of Baghdad (Law Enforcement)

[salim]

Attacks on Shiite Pilgrims Continue

 

The seeming lack of security on the roads did not seem to diminish Shiites' willingness to make the pilgrimage to Karbala. Typically, pilgrims carry only the clothes on their back, relying on people along the route to provide food and a bed for the night. Their vulnerability and willingness to face adversity and even death is part of the religious ritual in which Shiites re-enact the last journey of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein and lament that the faithful failed to flock to his aid in his hour of need.

 

An accurate account of the Alarbaen Ziyara in Kerbala.. The translation of Ziyara in Arabic is " visit" and not pilgrimage as many westren media put it. This is a very sensative issue. In Islam , pilgrimage "Jajj" is only to Mecca .

The reporter how ever went too far in quoting some one that we never heard of as leader of Alsadrees

 

"We would suck the blood of the Sunnis," Nazar Sharif, 34, a leader of the Mahdi Army in the Sadriya neighborhood of central Baghdad, said in an interview on Wednesday. "But we can't because Moktada asked us to avoid clashes with the military and with the Sunnis."

 

Usualy Shia's don't refer to Sunnis as their enymies, but use Takfeeriis or Sadamists. Sunnis never refer to Shia as their enymies but use the Bader or Jaish Almehdee or Safawwee..

IIt is very true though that Alsadrees support to the security plan is unblievable strong by not fooled by terrorists to drag them into secterian violance.

[salim]

I don’t know if it was planned or just by co-incident that yesterday had accommodated two major blew ups to terrorists in Iraq and their supporters.

 

The first was in Kerbala 70 miles south west of Baghdad, where the estimated two million Iraqis to do their religious Ziyara, had reached unprecedented numbers of around six millions. Defying the horror of Sadamists and Qaeda barbaric random killings to those who filled the hundreds kilometers long roads with huge marching crowds, the Ziyara ceremony went just fine. I talked to a friend, and she chose to go with other female member of the family to Kerbala. She said she paid about 70 $ for a taxi to get them back to Baghdad, a fare that is usually cost about 20$.

 

The other was Baghdad international conference, called by Iraqi government. Almaliki in his speech to the attendees , called for full support to Iraqi people who are facing terror networks. He said that the world should stand for the Iraqis who are in the war front that had extended to Suadi, Egypt, Jordan, Spain , England and New York. Having the conference in Baghdad is by itself a strong message . He went further to asks main players to keep Iraq froming their inter conflicts. He might be pointing to US, Iranians and Syrians. Many Iraqis thought their conflics is ading complexity to Iraqis situation.

 

The terrorists had nothing but to follow same stupid tactic, car , road bombs and suiciders! Indeed and to my full surprise , some political writers called these acts as tactic adaptation! I don’t know what they mean but found it no more that the same style that made Sadamists loss the support even from their nurturing communities who started to pay high toll as all other Iraqis are paying.

What I don’t understand that many in Baghdadsharing, is the delay in lunching the next phase of cleaning the west side of Baghdad where most of these terrorists take hide and bases. Some told me that this is coming soon, others thought that the government forces are just lacking numbers to do the job. Others went far to say this is part of the game that Americans are not seriously wanted to clean Baghdad to play the secterian game .I personally don’t find a reasonable answer but I am sure that until such wide sweeping of that neighborhoods of Jameia, Aladel, Alkhadraa, Alghazalia, Alameria, Aldora ,as was the case with east Baghdad, we can’t talk about successful “ Law enforcement” operation..

[salim]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/world/mi.../11karbala.html

To Karbala They Traveled, by Foot, Donkey, S.U.V. and Helicopter

By EDWARD WONG

Published: March 11, 2007

But it seemed that the more they tried to wipe out the Shiites, the more the Shiites were determined to come.

“You see the people; you see the thousands of people,” said Mr. Abdul Mahdi, 64, a white skullcap perched on his head and a checkered scarf around his bearish frame as he began a five-mile walk toward the golden-domed shrine of Imam Hussein.

 

“They’re so peaceful,” he said. “It’s to show the unity of the people, the tightness of the people, and this is a very strong message.”

 

 

Imam Husain is never be considerd as Shia symbole. The oldest and holiest mosque in Sunni Egypt where the highest Sunni religous authority of Alzhar , is the mosque of "the head of AlHusain "in center of cairo. Egyptians think that it was buried there after the Umai Khlif killed Imam Husain in Kerbala Iraq chopping his head , as exacly to what the Qaeda criminal do today!

[salim]

Almalliki visit to Alanbar.. Four months ago such visit and tour in Ramadi was just a non realistic hope!

Have a look ..

 

http://www.sotaliraq.com/articles-iraq.php?id=48085

[salim]

I found today’s Steven Hurst’s AP report the funniest liberal article in months.

According to his count, based on an anonymous associate to Maliki, Americans are asking the later to pass the oil law in the next two months and bring a new government that is accepted by the neighboring Arab countries of Jordan, Saudi and Egypt...

According to this theory, Oil law was described as a “law to fairly divide the country’s oil wealth”.

To prove his point, the writer went so far to claim that Maliki historical visit to Alnbar was a step toward reconciliation that US administration also asking Maliki to do.

 

Let me explain why I find this article as of fun, no other thing!

First of all, the oil law is currently opposed by radical Sunni Arab politicians who are clearly asking for not releasing any serious law that might help the Iraqi government establishing a more stable system, some thing they might find a threatening to their dreams... Maliki and other political groups who participated in the government are the one who derive the initiative for passing the law in the Parliament.

The other thing is the visit. Those groups whom Maliki had supported over the last six months are the one who are fighting the Qaeda in Alnbar. I wrote about Alnabar's uprise brave tribal sheikhs in much detail before and how Maliki supported them even before the US media started pointing to the fact that they are gaining a lot of popular support in Alnbar. So how come this visit came as result of political pressure?

 

The writer might be reflecting some moves by some political potential figures and some media speculations of Alawee is leading a campaign to topple Maliki with help of Suadi government. The writer pointed to a visit by Kurd Barazani and Alawee to Saudi Arabia this week. There might be some moves, but personally I don’t think such political maneuvers is to topple any but to give more support to Iraqi political system by creating a functional parliament opposition..

 

This article was not the only in expressing the shock of seeing Maliki in Alnbar, Abo Umer Baghdadee, head of Qaeda Islamic state in Iraq, had a similar one yesterday. He gave credit to Suadi Arabia for the successes by Alnbar uprise .. A claim that I can understand it’s extend! Maliki is the target, same as the claim of Mr. Hurst and his Iraqi translator Mr. Abdul-Zahra!!

[salim]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/17/world/mi...ast/17iran.html

 

Iran Is Playing a Growing Role in Iraq Economy

 

By EDWARD WONG

Published: March 17, 2007

NAJAF, Iraq — While the Bush administration works to stop Iran from meddling in Iraq, Iranian air-conditioners fill Iraqi appliance stores, Iranian tomatoes ripen on the windowsills of kitchens here and legions of white Iranian-made Peugeots sit in Iraqi driveways.

 

 

The above article might be missing other important goods that neighboring countries are exporting to Iraq... The Suicide machines and ideology. According to recent statistics by US army, 80% of suicides were of Saudi, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Algeria and Morocco.

 

The still bad situation in west Baghdad is bringing more suspicion among Baghdad residents , specially the Shia. The Friday’s huge demonstration in Sader city by Alsadrees might be looked at from that prospective. Why the current Baghdad security is only concentrating on the east side ? Why the terrorists are free to build up their Islamic Qaeda state bases in Aladel, Aljamea, Alghazalia, Alameria and Doura.

I don’t have real answer, but I might add some suffering story by my two female cousins... They were living in one of these mix neighborhoods of west Baghdad for the last ten years and running their nearby successful business of a small super market until three months ago when they got the first threatening letter to leave. They closed their business, and as usual leaving their home keys with their neighbor Sunni friends. They went to live with my brother who had his family already left to Syria. Two days ago, their Sunni friend visited them telling hem that it might be safer now to go back. They simply refused, they think that without real Iraqi government forces in the neighborhood, there is no guarantees that the criminals would let them live there in peace. Very simple story, but for them means a lot of pain and sufferings.

 

The oil law proposal is bringing more opposition , specially by radical Sunni Arab politicians! Those who opposed the law argued that it is not the right timing to risk the only critical national resource while the country is practically under occupation and most of the technical expertise are either on run or not in a position to add their valued opinion. An argument that might look reasonable. However, politicians in favour of going forward in putting the law into legal process , specially Shia and Kurd politicians, countering back by claiming that such argument is indeed nothing but to block Iraq oil infrastructure from getting on board as soon as possible after decades of miss management and corruption by Sadam regime. Last week couple of Sadam era ‘s professionals gathered in Amman to issue a long statement denouncing the law and asking for not releasing it. The Iraqi parliament is supposed to put it on discussion any time soon. Some experts put Iraqi reserves at a level of five hundreds billion barrel , five times the current discovered one.

 

Yesterday, vice president Abdul Mehdi repeated the call by his boss , the head of Shia coalition majority slate, to set an agreement to define the authorities of the Coalition forces in Iraq and according to the UN mandate and Iraqi government letter to the UN last year. Such a call brought mixed reactions . Some Sunni Arab politicians were outraged by it, calling instead for reactivating Sadam’s regime Iraqi forces before making any demand to limit the US forces authorities!

Things are changing, not in USA alone but in Iraq too. It is dynamic and confusing, isn’t it!!

[salim]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle...icle2125419.ece

 

 

For the first time, a real blueprint for peace in Iraq

By Ali Allawi, former Iraqi Defence Minister

Published: 05 January 2007

The Iraqi state that was formed in the aftermath of the First World War has come to an end. Its successor state is struggling to be born in an environment of crises and chaos. The collapse of the entire order in the Middle East now threatens as the Iraq imbroglio unleashes forces in the area that have been gathering in virulence over the past decades.

[hogan]

Troops capture Shiite insurgent leaders

 

More good news.

[salim]

Allawi new initiative had unfortunately went no where.. A spokesman to Sunni Arab Tawafuc slate joint the Kurds in discredeting the news that they are joining Allawi new political front. Allawii himself left Baghdad last week returning back to his favorite five star hotels in Amman !

The problem with Allawi is that he is not a fighter like Chalabi, he is just apportunist.. Came with a mandate by Suadis and Jordanians to sense the directions of the Iraq possibilities. He found situation much differ than when he left couple of months ago. Allawi still has opportunity, that is to believe in the new Iraqi game rules.. The role of people..

 

On the other side , Maliki is making much more successes in playing through the Iarqi mine field, the game of reaching others. After his great successes in assuring the support of Shia Muqtada and his party to the Law enforcement plan in Baghdad, he is now working with the Sunni's insurgents . His strategy was based on two approaches. the stick and carrot.. While there are very deep negotiation with some insurgents groups to bring them to the political process, including non Sadamists Bathists , he is putting much more pressure of Qaeda and Sadamists..

Yesterday , he announced that all Sadam's army officers are eligible to either return back to Army or ask for retiring package. The De Baathification law amendments already submitted to the Parliament. Yesterday's brave stand by Maliki when the rocket hit just yards from the news conference is looked at by Iraqis as a sign of tough leader.. Some thing that Iraqis like to see.. Have a look to the clip that most liberal media tried to make it in short to show just the shock on U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's face.. Have a look to Maliki who barely blinked his eyes!

http://youshare.com/uploads/video/unpress.swf

 

Listen to the translator who continued his translation after the explosion.. Sadamists propaganda media went to say that they are proving that they are still able to reach any where any time. For many Iraqis, that might be true, however, Maliki's stand yesterday was to tell them too that Iraqis don't care and they will not bow to such gange acts! Firing a stupid rocket from the farms of cross tigress Doura where the plan of applying law is not yet started.. That is a nother story that we are still trying to solve it's buzzels!

[BahirJ]

[salim]

Sunni Baghdad Becomes Land of Silent Ruins

 

 

By ALISSA J. RUBIN

Published: March 26, 2007

 

 

 

 

Militant religious groups, known as takfiris, “have taken these Sunni neighborhoods as bases, which made these areas of military operation,” which stops the delivery of services, said Nasir al-Ani, a Sunni member of Parliament who works on a committee trying to win popular acceptance of the Baghdad security plan. “Now the ministries are trying to make services available, but the security situation prevents it. Part of the aim of the takfiris is to keep people disliking the government.”

 

 

I found the article as an accurate report..

[salim]

For some analysis's, the current shift in terrorists fighting dynamics is just another round of fighting. For me it is not. It the start of the end of Qaeda-Sadamists control on the Sunni harts.. You can't fight terror without cleaning the harts ..

The last development of the assassination attempt on Deputy PM Salaam Alzoubaei was the hay that would break the back of the camel, thought it was not a hay but a big hammer!

Yesterday's assassination of one of the Zoubai clan was where Qaeda/Sadamists are making their biggest mistake.. Over the last month , there was a lot of debate among many radical sunni's about if it is right timing to switch alliances to support the Alanbar uprise or just stay away from it's war against Qaeda. Many were arguing that they should not encourage what they call it Sunni-Sunni violence. One of them was Shikh Harith Aldaree of Muslim scholar association.. Just last week , he was denouncing his cousin , the deputy PM, for cooperating with the government. Today his son, Muthana Harith Aldaree told Aljazera that , as spokesman for his clan, they declare Alqaeda as enemy ..

 

Reports from Abu Ghraib , where the clan home town in north west Baghdad, is talking about a heavy presence of the the tribal men and a big fight with Qaeda is much likely.. Another report talked about agreement with Alnabar uprise to join their fight..

 

Let us wait and see..

[salim]

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/223/popup....php?cl=2256564

 

Another story of Iraq succes and unity.. Shatha Hason, the young singer .. She won the Arab Star Academy Forth contest..

 

The reproter said , she is a sunni, no one in Iraq care ! She is the duagther of Epheratees, that what they called her .. It was the last expected that my sister who is a practising Shia, telling me with a lot of bride and joy, Shatha won! We made it, Iraqis!

 

No update of security situation, my other sister still can't wak out from her home in west Baghdad of Alkhadraa , she felt so sorry not being able to watch SHatha, as there is no electricity.The criminals stole her home private electric cable connecting her small safe havean to the world through some privately running generator just 100 mt away !!

[salim]

Any one knows why the libral media is not coming with at least one photo to his visit to the Shurjaa.. Shurja is the main market that supplies the whole Iraq with so many different goods

A very brave move that tells a lot..

 

McCain lauds security during Baghdad visit

POSTED: 1241 GMT (2041 HKT), April 2, 2007

Story Highlights• Sen. John McCain says media failing to report improving security conditions

• Congressman: Lawmakers encouraged to remove helmets during Baghdad tour

• Military investigating how explosives-laden suicide vests ended up in Green Zone

• Roadside bombs in Salaheddin province kill four, wound eight

Adjust font size:

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Sen. John McCain visited a Baghdad market Sunday and later told reporters the American people were not getting the full story on what he said were improving security conditions in the war-ravaged capital.

 

McCain, a presidential hopeful, was among a delegation of Republican lawmakers that made an unannounced trip to Iraq this weekend, the details of which were withheld for security reasons.

 

Accompanied by a military escort, the delegation traveled in armored Humvees to Baghdad's main marketplace, which has seen numerous attacks in recent months, including a grenade attack in March.

 

After going to Shorja market -- where a triple car bombing in February killed 79 people and wounded 170 -- McCain told reporters at a Green Zone news conference that the recent surge of U.S. troops gives the military "a very good chance of bringing security." (Watch how Congress and the White House are tussling over a deadline to bring troops home )

 

"The American people are not getting the full picture of what's happening here. They are not getting the full picture of the drop in murders, the establishment of security outposts throughout the city, the situation in Anbar, the deployment of additional Iraqi brigades who are performing well and other signs of progress," he said.

 

 

Have a look to this blogging which was posted just two days before the visit to see why McCain move was so shrud!!

 

The question that CNN reporter was asking is not realistic, there is no neighborhood in Baghdad that is safe for any one , even for local normal people. It is true that terrorists don't safe any life , being Iraqis or Americans. The question if there are places in Baghdad that are safe for Americans as they are for Iraqis!

 

http://www.blogowogo.com/blog_article.php?aid=667708

 

 

On the March 27 edition of CNN's The Situation Room, host Wolf Blitzer asked McCain about comments he had made to conservative radio host William Bennett that "[t]here are neighborhoods in Baghdad where you and I could walk through those neighborhoods today. The U.S. is beginning to succeed in Iraq." While McCain did not directly address the quote Blitzer mentioned, he responded: "You know, that's where you ought to catch up on things, Wolf," adding that "General Petraeus goes out there almost every day in a non-armed Humvee. I think you ought to catch up."

 

Later in the program, Blitzer asked CNN Baghdad correspondent Michael Ware to reconcile McCain's comments. Ware told Blitzer that "[t]o suggest that there's any neighborhood in this city where an American can walk freely is beyond ludicrous," adding: "I'd love Senator McCain to tell me where that neighborhood is, and he and I can go for a stroll." Regarding McCain's claim that Gen. Petraeus travels "almost ever day in a non-armed Humvee," Ware said that McCain "is way off base on this one":

 

.

[salim]

Ziad is ٍٍٍSunni Arab young Iraqi man. He stepped up to take responsibility of a large family after tragic death of his father ten years ago. He bought a car and work on as private taxi driver. After the fall of the Statue , four years ago, his business expanded to new rule. Reaching those neighbors who can't leave their houses in the most dangerous Qaeda/Sadamist controlled Aljamea discrete of west Baghdad. He used to do all services, from grocery shopping to kids dropping to school. He was very energetic. One of his customers was my sixty years old Shia sister. She used to call him at any time for any need specially oil supply and doctor emergencies. He represented a hero symbol of Iraq unity..

 

Five days ago, on one of his tours, Ziad got his medal, he got shot at the Alrabee main street by a sniper , his body was laying on the street for some time before some neighbors informed his elderly mom and family about the tragic incident.. His Brother and sister rushed to the crime scene to rescue him, as no one dare reach such place fearing the sniper's next shots.. They courageously approached the body when the expected two shots hited both of them, the three fell at same place.. three got the last meddles! Let us pray for the soul of another three brave Iraqis, let us salute their courage, let us share the pain that my sister is feeling.