U.S. to Query Iraq Over Reported Purge

[sabra]

Source: AP

The White House said Monday it plans to query Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government about reports that some of his people are behind a purge of security officers who have acted too aggressively against Shiite militias.

"We are aware of the reports and we're concerned about them and that will be the focus of conversations," White House spokesman Tony Snow said.

At least 16 army and national police commanders have been fired, detained or pressured to resign since March 1, The Washington Post (nyse: WPO - news - people ) reported Monday, citing U.S. military documents. Nine were Sunnis, and though some appear to have been fired for legitimate reasons, several were considered among the best in the field, the newspaper reported. A department of al-Maliki's office played a lead role in the dismissals, the Post said, citing U.S. military officials.

Officials close to al-Maliki denied the allegations.

Read more: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/04/30/ap3668654.html

[TwilightGardener]

1. Bwah! The puppets aren't cooperating. Apparently our "noble

purpose" of setting up a democracy there is no match for ancient tribal hatreds and score-settling--didn't see THAT coming! What chance do our soldiers have in preventing violence between sects if the "best and brightest" in the Iraqi parliament have no intention of governing in am impartial manner?

[rodeodance]

2. surging purging surging yaddy yah