Sunni Triangle + al-Sadr = Big Trouble

[markus]

So, are the Sunni's and militant Shiites collaborating in an (unexpected) show of pan-Arab, Iraqi nationalism, or is Dave Bremmer just an idiot who provoked al-Sadr just as they were preparing their mission of revenge into Falluja?

I worry about the first, because it would mean civil war. I'm not an expert on any of these subjects, but I can't imagine that the Baath Party didn't indoctrinate a generation of Iraqi's in their own pan-Arab and nationalist views.

Could it be possible that there is a danger that at least large factions of the Arab population might join together to oppose us, especially given our relationship with the Kurds over the last decade and their own concerns about that?

Or are Bremer, et al just a lot of incompetent idiots?


Anyone more expert who have any ideas on this?

[Fenris]

1. I think his name is L. Paul Bremer

I think you're unconsciously thinking of "comedian" David Brenner.

[markus]

2. Corrected

Thank you.

[markus]

3. Shameless bump

I think this is important, and it may have gotten lost in the threads in LBN.

[KurtNilsen]

4. Well, there have been disturbing reports that certain

sunni groups at least are encouraging the followers of Sadr to resist. It is briefly mentioned in this Al Jazeera article: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D43A5CDF-E1AF-4572-B027-B2AE9F4AC150.htm

I think have seen similar confirmations elsewhere.

However, I would lean towards Bremer provoking Sadr and followers. Sadr has been a thorn in the coalitions side since the invation. He has had an arrest warrant on his head and a few of his men since late last year. The recent unrest seem to have really taken off after Yacobe (spelling?) an aide of Sadr was arrested a few days ago. Add to that the closing of Sadr's newspaper.