07 April 2008

Iraq News (7 April)

The Good: A monster-sized EFP cache has been found by the Iraqi Security Forces, and they also released 42 kidnapped students up in Mosul. US and Iraqi forces are stomping the militia in Sadr City. Sadr City is a district in Northeastern Baghdad once called "Saddam City" and subsequently renamed for Muqtada's father. It's heavily Shi'ite, and has been known to be a homebase for the Mahdi Army and some of the Iranian-backed militias. This operation is ultimately necessary to bring security to Baghdad. The Prime Minister and every other political bloc (except Sadr Trend) has endorsed a move to disarm all politically-affiliated militias prior to Provincial elections. This has been a long time in coming, and it will ultimately be beneficial (I hope).
The Bad: The Green Zone came under attack again yesterday with many casualties, unfortunately, along with FOB Rustamiya. I'm sure this will come up in the testimony for tomorrow. A huge market in Sadr City caught on fire yesterday. Iranian media says it was due to ongoing clashes, but I'm sure the militia's useful idiots in America will say it was due to US warmongers on a rampage or some such craziness (note: it was most likely due to errant mortar fire by militia thugs).
The Ugly: I guess all this Iraq business is simply for the purpose of a campaign stop. Glad to know that people are dying so that perspective Presidential candidates can get that soundbite in. Boo!
CNN does an embed with the non-enemy in Sadr City, the first of its kind in American Media

6 comments:

Bag Blog said...

Okay, I was a little worried about you yesterday.

Sisu said...

I'm with bag blog. Nice to see you.

Nixon said...

Not pushing up daisies just yet.

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 04/07/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front lines.

MezzoCO said...

Lt. N - Glad you are okay!
Just want to say "thank you" for your service, your candor and yes, the daily news briefs. I appreciate all that you're doing - both on the pointy and the cyber end of the spear, as it were. I try and get as much info as I can from you guys actually *there* - helps me keep track of what's going down (and getting blown up) near someone very close to me...so many thanks from this Soldier's Angel...!!

Nixon said...

Thanks Mezzo SF!