Rival Shiite Factions Clash in Iraqi City

Washington Post ^ | 10/15/03 | Karl Vick and Vernon Loeb

[Pokey78]

KARBALA, Iraq, Oct. 14 -- Rival Shiite Muslim groups exchanged gunfire overnight in this Shiite holy city, the first serious armed clash between Shiite factions since the Iraq war, and the top U.S. commander in Iraq warned Tuesday that American forces may soon have to move against one of the factions.

Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez said armed followers of Moqtada Sadr, a young Shiite cleric who has loudly opposed the presence of foreign troops in Iraq, have been regarded for months as an evolving threat to U.S.-led forces. Last week, in what American commanders described as an ambush, Sadr's Imam Mehdi Army battled a U.S. patrol in Baghdad, killing two American soldiers.

"They have begun to take some actions that are going to require the coalition to respond very forcefully," Sanchez said in an interview. "Any time you have a militia that has opted to take that sort of step, a confrontation is possible.

[dr_who_2]

Well, I hope they reach a decision about what to do with those Shiites before December rolls around. Maybe that Shiite faction can be reasoned with though. Sure.

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[Bringbackthedraft]

Looks like its time to make up another deck of cards.

[spyone]

Mr. Sanchez...what are you waiting for? Seems pretty clear to me...every delay costs American lives.

[McGavin999]

The Iraqi people are the only ones who can take this guy out. This might be a good test for the new justice system.

[xrp]

I thought all Muslims were brothers and they weren't supposed to hurt each other?

[EaglesUpForever]

The shiite seems to be about to hit the fan...

[Delta 21]

Hey. I got a little sumthin for your "Shiite Rival Faction"

Right Here

[Dog]

Sadr's days are numbered I think.......the boy has made to many enemies..

[section9]

With respect, this had best be handled by negotiations between the two factions. Up to now, we have secured peace in the South by rigorously avoiding Shi'ite entanglements and acting as an honest broker.

We'd best remain that way, although a muscular response to any armed attacks will be necessary to maintain our reputation.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

(Go Marlins! Obey the Billygoat....)

[Dog]

Chris I didn't mean we take him out....I think the older Mullahs will squash this character before this is over.

[nuconvert]

"Sadr, 30, is the son of the late Mohammed Sadiq Sadr, a cleric whose memory is revered across Iraq's Shiite heartland. Last week, he announced that he would form a government to challenge Iraq's Governing Council..."

Delusions of grandeur?

Have to nip this in the bud.