Posted on 04/05/2008 10:32:10 AM PDT by BGHater
Militiamen loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr are positioning explosives to defend the major routes into Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood in anticipation of a major battle with U.S. and Iraqi government forces, residents said yesterday.
Iraqis also said families in Sadr City and other Shi'ite areas of Baghdad are stocking up on food, fearing new fighting that will leave them unable to get to the markets.
While food prices in most of Baghdad are stable, they have increased in Sadr City and surrounding neighborhoods as people brace for a resumption of fighting that rocked the neighborhood late last month, said Sajad, an Iraqi translator who spoke with several residents in the Shi'ite stronghold on behalf of The Washington Times.
Tomatoes that were 30 cents to 40 cents a kilogram (2.2 pounds) are now $2.50 a kilo, and the price of eggs and cheese have gone up three to five times their normal price, said Sajad.
In a southwest neighborhood of Baghdad, where Shi'ite militiamen have recently been pushed out, neighbors warned Ahmed, the father of three young children in the area, that there could be another rebel Shi'ite uprising as soon as tomorrow — two days before Gen. David H. Petreaus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker are to report to Congress on progress in the U.S. troop surge.
The warning, Ahmed said, appeared to come from Sadr City, so it would only affect Baghdad. Orders to Shi'ite militia across the country normally are issued from Najaf, a holy city in southern Iraq where Sheik al-Sadr's Mahdi Army is headquartered.
In Washington, U.S. intelligence officials said they had no way of confirming Mahdi Army preparations for the Sadr City battle, but added that it is "entirely possible."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
May I chime in with that.
The press is spinning this into a loss for the our side because the job was not finished when Mooki called a cease fire.
Don't our side ever read the Koran? It tells you in the there to plead for a truce when you are losing a battle and then re-group and attack the enemy again.
What the hell did they thin Al-Sadr was doing?
If I might, I'd like to add that I have a problem with part 3 of the ABC video. I feel what happened there is deeply personal to the Soldiers involved and their families. Perhaps I'm being overly protective, but I'm not sure if it's anyone else's business.
God bless your grandson. I'm happy to hear he felt appreciated and supported during his leave, and wishing him a safe, successful rest of his deployment.
Best regards from Germany, MaryAnn
It's not up to us. Plus, he more valuable at THE PRESENT TIME alive with designated surges taking place, than he is dead.
So he trips and hits his head on a rock later on down the road while on the way to his newly found studies. (He's also younger than he appears.) By that time, the french valued tradition of sitting in open cafes watching the world pass by becomes more inviting..he will be of past historical importance.
However, McCain HAS HISTORICALLY CALLED for More Boots On The Ground. In fact, I think he has it Programed directly into his Text Message "response".
Actually it is.
Plus, he more valuable at THE PRESENT TIME alive with designated surges taking place, than he is dead.
Tell that to the mother, father, wife, or kids of the next American GI who dies at Mookies hand.
L
These rescue crews are BIG TIME heroes - and they don't get recognition.
But Admiral Mullen went to the Korengal last month - eyes on - and ordered HQ to get them air support FASTER...
I'm wondering if Mullen didn't get a heads up after Kerry, Hagel and Biden were forced down in the Korengal in Feb in a snow squall, on their way from Pakistan to Bagram - and it took 4 hours for troops to get to them ... I hope they - those 3 - sweat bullets every minute they were on the ground. (I admit to the fleeting thought: "Where are the tallies when we need them?" (hangs head)
Lets see, Petraus is testifying before the Senate on the 8th and 9th. Look for a big attack from the Sadrists on April 7 or 8, so they can prop up and embolden their allies Biden, Kerry, et. al as they strive to hand over Iraq to the jihadists.
........and indeed Al-Azman is reporting Sadr is now pushing for big street demonstrations in the run-up to April 9th (5th anniversary of the fall of Baghdad).
What would be nice to see is the Iraqi forces seal off Sadr City and Najaf, then systematically go in and eliminate the militia elements and with the US military help by ground and air, remove every perceivable weapon cache, disarm all the residence as a national security measure, and obviously to show them the gig is up, then give them an option. Either join the new Iraqi central government in it’s attempts to play fair to the whole country or experience a very long time of isolation. Let the common Iraq of all religious mixes in these areas understand, the rule of law comes first. Either join up in a responsible way and become good citizens or face the consequences.
What would be nice to see is the Iraqi forces seal off Sadr City and Najaf, then systematically go in and eliminate the militia elements and with the US military help by ground and air, remove every perceivable weapon cache, disarm all the residence as a national security measure, and obviously to show them the gig is up, then give them an option. Either join the new Iraqi central government in it’s attempts to play fair to the whole country or experience a very long time of isolation. Let the common Iraq of all religious mixes in these areas understand, the rule of law comes first. Either join up in a responsible way and become good citizens or face the consequences.
If they could just hold off a couple more days...
I shall be on my way to Kuwait and after a few days there, headed HOME. For two to three glorious months before I return to Mesopotamia.
I mean, I can't hog all the fun. Let some of the new guys have the experience. I've had plenty. ;-)
That being said, the scumbags haven't exactly stopped launching stuff. 'Twas a tad noisy last night and this morning here in the Green Zone. I'm passing through here for a few days on my way out and let me tell ya...it's a blast here.
That's totally UNacceptable, in my mind. Hopefully, this has now been looked at and is now or will be corrected.
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