SUNNIS & SHIITES: In the continuing turmoil between Sunnis and Shiites, Sadr City, a crowded slum in Baghdad, Iraq, has once again erupted in violence. Residents were warned yesterday to leave Sadr before U.S.-backed Iraqi troops push into the city to remove the anti-American Mahdi Army.

The death toll from the Sadr City fighting between the United States and the Mahdi Army that began late March makes April the deadliest month this year, and undermines U.S. and Iraqi government claims of improved security.

Soldiers Warn Sadr City Residents to Leave

Iraqi soldiers warned Sadr City residents yesterday to leave their homes.

• The warning indicates that U.S.-backed troops will soon push into Sadr City to remove members of the anti-American Mahdi Army. The Mahdi is responsible for the deadly battles during the last seven weeks.
• This is the first warning for locals to leave the area.
• Soldiers are directing people to seek shelter in local soccer stadiums.
• According to UNICEF, about 6,000 people have already fled Sadr City.
• Though the city is short on water and medical supplies, many residents have not heeded the warning.

Al-Maliki Pledges to Disarm Militias

Although a cease-fire was in effect, it began to unravel in March. Immediately, Iraqi Prime Minster Nouri al-Maliki, himself a Shiite, ordered a crackdown on all militias.

Al-Maliki threatened the militias with military assault unless they do the following:

• disarm
• stop interfering in state affairs
• stop running their own courts
• hand over wanted fugitives

"We will disarm the Mahdi army, Islamic army and Omar army and no one can stop us," al-Maliki said in reference to both Shiite and Sunni militant groups. (AP, 4/30/08). Al-Sadr has rejected the government’s conditions, insisting that his military will continue to resist the United States. He claims his Mahdi Army does not fight Iraqis. (BBC, 4/30/08)

Copyright © 2009 Informify

Sources

"At least 925 killed in Iraq's Sadr City clashes " (AFP)

"U.S. deaths in Iraq at seven-month high in April " (Reuters)

"Baghdad clashes ‘leave 400 dead " (BBC)

"US troop deaths push monthly toll to 7-month high in Iraq " (AP)

"Iraq Coalition Casualty Count " (icasualties.org)

"Iraq prepares for Baghdad exodus " (BBC News)

"Residents says Iraqi soldiers warn them to leave Sadr City " (AP)

Question for Readers:

Do you think it would be wise for our next president to pull troops from Iraq all at once, or do you think a gradual withdrawal over time would be necessary to ease the transition?