We have an early, ominous indication of how Nouri al-Maliki's personally commanded, American supported, 30,000 man strong, Iraqi Army campaign to clean the Mehdi Army out of Basra is progressing. At the onset of his original attack on Basra, he gave the Mehdi fighters an ultimatum. Within 72 hours they must turn themselves in to the authorities, surrender their weapons and ammunition and sign an agreement that they would cease all opposition to governmental authorities, once and for all. He did not rule out the temporary detainment of some of the fighters but did say an amnesty would follow.
With less than a day to go before the deadline expires, he seems to have changed his conditions, a little. He has extended the deadline until April 8. What's that, fifteen days total? Pretty leisurely deadline. He has also added that he will pay each soldier, substantially, for weapons surrendered. Did someone mention paying off Iraqis? David Petreaus must be close at hand. What? It's always worked before. No mention was made, in the article I read, about anybody signing anything. I'm sure they just forgot that part.
Sounds to me like he's got them on the run. That's probably why he's giving them extra time to bring in the guns. Poor Devils!
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