Basra's `dark ages' lifting as hard-line grip weakens (MSM, who won again?)

Yahoo ^ | 4/18/2008 | SAMEER N. YACOUB, Associated Press Writer

[tobyhill]

BAGHDAD - CD shops sell love songs again. Some women emerge from their homes without veils, and alcohol sellers are coming out of hiding in the southern city of Basra — where religious vigilantes have long enforced strict Islamic codes.

The changes in recent weeks mark a surprising show of government sway — at least for now — after an Iraqi-led military crackdown that was plagued by desertions, ragged planning and ended in a virtual stalemate with Shiite militias in Iraq's second-largest city.

But it's unclear whether the new tone in parts of Basra represents a permanent tilt toward the Iraqi government or just a temporary retreat of Shiite hard-liners challenging the current Baghdad leadership.

During five days of heavy fighting last month, Iraqi troops struggled against militiamen, particularly the Mahdi Army loyal to anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The military was plagued by desertions and poor organization — and, in the end, the offensive was inconclusive with Iran helping mediate a truce.

Still, the crackdown appears to have succeeded in giving some sense of government control in Basra.

[MNJohnnie]

Great news. Thanks!

[goldstategop]

The MSM grudgingly admits the battle for Basra went better than in some of its reports. Its by no means over but when you consider it was Mookie Sadr who sued for the ceasefire, that's an unqualified government triumph. Losers don't sue for a ceasefire when they are winning.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[tobyhill]

Now it’s just that the militia’s are lying low.

[goldstategop]

Lying through their teeth for losers! But that's "reporting" from the MSM...

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[tobyhill]

“ragged planning and ended in a virtual stalemate with Shiite militias”

The article in itself is contradictory to the statement in the article. If it had been a stalemate there’s no way they could be reporting people on the streets selling goods. Sadr lost and that’s the bottom line.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

AP put this out....now that’s news.

[SunkenCiv]

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