InfoAnda - Iraqi Shiites battered but not battling back

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Sarkozy pursues pension reform as scandal lingers | | 13 July 2010
Egypt launches air strikes after clashes in Sinai | | 8 August 2012
Tropical Storm Matthew Gunning For Central America | 25 September 2010

Fear in Bangkok as bullets fly close to home | 17 May 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Iraqi Shiites battered but not battling back

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Iraqi Shiites battered but not battling back By BRIAN MURPHY,Associated Press Writer AP - Saturday, May 2 BAGHDAD - The anger in Baghdad's main Shiite district was raw and restless after twin car bombings took more than 50 lives earlier this week. But the true measure of the rage _ in Iraqi terms _ came the following morning: Morgues and streets were not full of Sunnis killed in payback violence. ADVERTISEMENT A night-long spree of slayings by Shiite militias would have been the likely revenge exacted for such a blast during the height of Iraq's sectarian bloodshed. Now, however, Shiites have so far maintained a resilience and restraint after a week of bombings by suspected Sunni insurgents apparently seeking to provoke another cycle of violence and reverse recent security gains. "Let's not be dragged into these plots," Sadiq al-Esawi, an aide to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, said during Friday prayers in Baghdad's Sadr City _ which was hit by the double car bombings Wednesday. But the lack of reprisals from Shiite gangs may have more to do with their diminished status and options than a collective decision to hold back. An Iraqi offensive last year into Sadr City broke the control of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia, which used the huge Shiite slum as its Baghdad base and ran it as they wished with armed patrols and checkpoints. It's now in the hands of Iraqi security forces. The Shiite-led government, meanwhile, has come under pressure from Washington to built stronger bonds with Sunni tribal leaders and open police and military posts to Sunni fighters who helped battle insurgents. This has blurred the once sharp divide between Sunnis and Shiites during near civil war in 2006-2007. "There is a general agreement now that the Sunni community is not responsible for these attacks against Shiites," said Mustafa Alani, who follows regional affairs at the Gulf Research Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. "We might see individual acts of revenge," he added, "but not a return to an organized revenge along sectarian lines." Shiites have been the obvious target of three major bombings since an April 23 suicide blast hit a roadside restaurant crowed with pilgrims from Iran, killing at least 53 people. The next day, two female suicide bombers struck worshippers at Baghdad's most important Shiite shrine with at least 71 dead. The attacks also dealt an embarrassing blow to Iraqi political leaders already looking ahead to elections late this year. Almost immediately after the Sadr City blasts, stunned residents denounced Iraqi forces for failing to protect them. Some called for the Mahdi Army's return as a more reliable defense against insurgents. "They know the routes, the entrances, the streets better than the Iraqi army," said Abdul Hussein Jassim, 51, a construction worker. "We need to watch out for ourselves." But there was a widespread feeling that the days of Mahdi Army swagger were likely over. Haider Kadoum, 25, a Sadr City shopkeeper pleaded: "The Mahdi Army is gone. We have the Iraqi army here now, but when can we feel truly safe?" Iraqi security forces were taking no chances for Friday prayers. Roads leading to al-Sadr's political headquarters were blocked and no vehicles _ not even bicycles or pushcarts _ were allowed. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, meanwhile, urged parliament to hold a special session with the nation's security chiefs to discuss the recent spike in insurgent violence. But patience among the former Mahdi Army patrons already could be wearing thin. They claim the government's goal of political reconciliation with Sunnis has opened the door for insurgent sympathizers to infiltrate Iraq's security and intelligence services. The accusations were not backed by any further evidence, but it suggested the rising level of frustration. The cleric al-Sadr, now operating from Iran, has remained quiet during the recent spate of attacks. Al-Sadr said last year he was disbanding most of the 60,000-strong militia, but would keep a small fighting unit. American and Iraqi commanders also say a splinter Shiite faction known as Special Groups continues attacks on security forces and Sunni targets. U.S. military spokesman Maj. Gen. David Perkins said intelligence units have not found evident of widespread retribution killings by Shiites. In the past, Shiite backlash to Sunni attacks built slowly. Shiites held back from major retaliation despite being hammered by attacks as the Sunni insurgence took root in 2004-2005. It took the February 2006 bombing of a revered golden-domed Shiite mosque in Samarra, about 60 miles north of Baghdad, to open a full-scale sectarian confrontation. Some Sunni leaders already have made fresh appeals to reject the impulse for revenge. The largest Sunni political group, the Iraqi Islamic Party, issued a statement Thursday calling for "solidarity and unity" with Shiites and others against al-Qaida in Iraq and other insurgent factions. "The recent wave of attacks is led by the enemies of Iraq who only want to bring back chaos and tensions," the statement said. Military analyst Anthony Cordesman, writing for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the most likely retaliation could come from "hard-line Shiite elements" such as breakaway Mahdi Army militiamen. Michael Hanna, a regional affairs expert based in New York, said sustained insurgent attacks also could bring pressures on the cohesiveness of Iraq's Shiite-dominated security forces, which include many former Shiite militiamen. Hanna said he not believe that the Mahdi Army could regroup for "any organized approach to carry out retaliatory attacks." But he added: "There is still any opportunity for sectarian revenge killings." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article 0 users recommend Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World UK-World SummaryReuters - 1 hour 33 minutes ago Lower Mexico flu death toll calms nervous worldReuters - 1 hour 33 minutes ago US may revive military commissions: reportAFP - 2 hours 48 minutes ago NATO foils attack on Norwegian tankerReuters - Saturday, May 2 Former US soldiers describe rape of Iraqi girl, killingsAFP - Saturday, May 2 Most Popular – World Viewed Kenyan women to sex-starve men -- for politics Chrysler begins court bid for quick bankruptcy exit Swine flu spreads economic shivers ExxonMobil profit plunges 58 percent Britney's ex-manager forced to stay away from star View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Saturday, 2 May 2009
Jamaican charged over CanJet hostage taking | International |
Berlusconi says he world's most popular leader | International |
Eric Bana's beast love rivals his acting passion | Entertainment |
Coldplay to give away live CD at gigs | Entertainment |
Duffy named Britain's first female poet laureate | Entertainment |
Tribeca film targets hypocrisy in U.S. gay politics | Entertainment |
NATO foils attack on Norwegian tanker | International |
Obama to host Afghan, Pakistan summit Wednesday
Chavez says Obama must prove change after handshake | International |
Iraq: Key figures since the war began
Philippines had most displaced people in 2008: study | International |
May Day turns violent in Turkey, Germany, Greece | International |
Hezbollah attacks inquiry into Hariri killing
Google fields low-tech wildfire prevention: goats
Supermarket tycoon favored in Panama vote | International |
Iraqi Shiites battered but not battling back
Citigroup may need 10 billion dollars more: report
Hezbollah attacks inquiry into Hariri killing | International |
Five US, Latvian troops killed in Afghan attack
Chrysler begins court bid for quick bankruptcy exit
Five Western soldiers killed in Afghan attack | International |
Swiss govt says US lawsuit violates its sovereignty
US military says 3 American troops killed in Iraq
Fiji suspended from Pacific grouping | International |
Turkish PM presents new cabinet to president
U.S. says troops will not face trial over Iraq raid
Iraq's Sadr in Turkey for talks with Erdogan
Iraq faces 'havoc' if reconciliation fails: deputy PM
Cyber chief needs to be in White House: experts | Technology |
US-TECH Summary
Cyber chief needs to be in White House: experts
Immigrants push for reforms at rallies across US
Virtual mobility for disabled wins Second Life prize
US may revive military commissions: report
White House takes Web 2.0 leap
Former US soldiers describe rape of Iraqi girl, killings
Chip sales down 30 pct in March: SIA
'Desperate' driver in Dutch royal attack dies
Sri Lanka army website hacked: defence ministry
Pa. teens cleared of serious charges in beating
Mangione plays for NY air crash victims' families
Police find Ga. prof's Jeep; search nearby woods
LA judge orders widows' green card cases reopened
Court says FAA can't be held liable in Ill. crash
Eric Bana's beast love rivals his acting passion | Entertainment |
Australia to boost military might: government
A grown-up Matthew McConaughey faces his Ghosts | Entertainment |
One year on, Myanmar endures cyclone's ravages
French band Phoenix rising on U.S. indie scene | Entertainment |
Filipinos freed by Somali pirates return home
Obama reaches out to Pakistan's Sharif: report
Hong Kong at 'critical moment' in swine flu
Malaysia defers hike on tax for hiring foreigners
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Swine flu arrives in Asia
Recession fires worldwide May Day rallies
Fiji suspended from regional forum: chairman
Pakistani c.bank buys 41.6 bln rupees of T-bills
Japan sees pretax loss to March: report
Japan sees jobless surge, renewed deflation
Review: Met offers elegant revival of 'Cinderella'
Indian exports dive 33% in March
Indian property firm DLF Q4 profit dives 93%
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
French band Phoenix rising on U.S. indie scene
White House takes Web 2.0 leap
African dancers perform at New Orleans Jazz Fest
Indonesian parties form new coalition
TV Academy honors programs with a `conscience'
'Star Trek' game veers away from movie
A grown-up Matthew McConaughey faces his "Ghosts"
Kelis files for divorce from Nas in LA
The Edge's green pitch for Malibu riles residents
Egypt begins pig slaughter in earnest
Sri Lanka rebels accuse army of 64 shelling deaths | International |
Iran hangs woman for murder committed when minor: report | International |
Iran hangs woman for murder committed when minor
Pakistani forces kill 16 Taliban | International |
Studios Shuffle Movie Release Dates In Mexico Due To Swine Flu
Israel launches second day of air strikes in Gaza
Iran to review jail sentence of U.S.-born reporter | International |
NBC Exec Dies On Set Of Pilot "Parenthood"
Somali pirates say they have hijacked two ships
Israel launches second day of air strikes in Gaza | International |
Foxy Brown Cleared Of Cellphone Bashing Charge
Police battle rioters in Berlin | International |
Hand Model's Furniture Lawsuit Against Martha Stewart Settled
New candidate emerges among Iraq's Kurds
Iran shells Kurdish rebel positions in north Iraq | International |
Leonard Nimoy To Receive Lifetime Achievement At Saturn Awards
Russian troops patrol rebel borders with Georgia: report | International |
Two soldiers, 16 militants killed in Pakistan
Venezuela's Chavez condemns US report on terrorism
Analysis: Flu control tests Obama balancing skills
The Nation's Weather
Russia guarding Georgian separatist zones
Obama: Flu strain requires vigilance and readiness
Boston Globe union granted deadline extension
Ex-NYC stock trader pleads guilty to stealing $16M
Obama to host Afghan, Pakistan summit Wednesday
More schools shut as swine flu spreads in US
Xtreme offers bilingual reality | Entertainment |
Steve-O shows his dance with self-destruction | Entertainment |
NBC renews cop drama Southland | Entertainment |
'Hospital hit' in Sri Lanka, civilians dead
China tracks Mexico plane passengers over flu
HK seals central hotel to prevent swine flu spread
China's Liu upsets Guo at Table Tennis champs
Reports: Bus crash kills at least 26 in Uzbekistan
Philippine ship crew freed by pirates returns home
Australia to buy US jets, build up navy, air force
Pakistani forces kill 16 Taliban
NBC renews cop drama "Southland"
Steve-O shows his dance with self-destruction
Winehouse blocks paparazzi from her home
Mangione plays for NY air crash victims' families
NBC renews cop drama "Southland"
Xtreme offers bilingual reality
Indonesia's anti-corruption czar a murder suspect
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01