Iraq News (2 April)

The Good: The Iraqi-led operation in Basra continues with the Mahdi Army stepping aside. Sounds like the Iraqi Security Forces wants control of the port facilities, which is the lifeline of the economy and supposedly run by the Fadhila party. Of course, the Prime Minister called the whole operation a rousing success, but most others remain skeptical. Shell is still interested in investing in Iraqi oil infrastructure.

The Bad: Predictably, Iraqi deaths climbed for the month of March due to the recent violence, as did US casualties. While, the death toll is still heinous and tragic, it's nothing like it was one year ago, where dozens of bodies were found daily in Baghdad as a result of sectarian strife. The British have put the kaibash on their troop withdrawal plans due to the recent escalation of violence in Basra. What's the British word for quagmire? Bullocks, I guess.

The Ugly: Dr. Sheikhli tells his tale of being kidnapped by the Mahdi Army and what he did to survive. And April Fool's for Iraqis? I thought posting about Sadr being schwacked in an air strike would've been a funny gag, but probably a bit much during this turbulent political period.

Welcome to Iraq, the tour bus departs at 9am!