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| Iraq |
| U.S. hopes to counter Mahdi Army's clout in Baghdad |
| 2008-04-16 |
| BAGHDAD - The US military continues to go after Shiite militiamen in an effort to quell the deadly rocket-fire that has been hitting the Iraqi capital's fortified Green Zone with increasing accuracy. On Sunday night it killed six gunmen in eastern Baghdad after American soldiers were attacked with rocket-propelled grenades. But while clashes carry on with Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia, which the US says is responsible for unleashing the salvo of rockets and mortars targeting American and Iraqi government buildings, US military officials are putting out feelers to Mr. Sadr's associates. They are reaching out to elements within his militia that they could possibly work with to end the violence and are launching public-works projects designed to win over local hearts and minds inside Sadr City, the Mahdi Army's main Baghdad stronghold. "At my level, I'm seeking engagement with individuals that are willing to work with us for the purpose of supporting stability and meeting the needs of the people," says Major Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commanding general for Multi-National Forces in Baghdad. |
| Posted by:GolfBravoUSMC |
| #1 IRANIAN.WS > HARDLEY: IRAN A THREAT IN IRAQ. AQ's influence is diminishing but Tehran's support of Militia groups contins unabated; + IRAN RAISES NUCLEAR STAKES BEFORE BIG POWER MEET. OTOH, IRNA > IRAN READY TO INVEST IN IRAQI KURDISTAN; + PAYVAND > IRAN MAY PARTICIPATE IN AZERBAIJAN GAS PROJECT + IRAN WAGING A PROXY WAR WITH THE US. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2008-04-16 03:38 |