Sadrists Threaten to Leave Government

Once again ‘good’ news from Iraq: “Iraqi Cabinet ministers allied to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr threatened Wednesday to quit the government to protest the prime minister’s lack of support for a timetable for U.S. withdrawal.”

If the Sadrists pull out, Iraq’s (al-Maliki’s) government is in very real danger of collapsing.

On the other hand, it is not exactly the first time that the Sadrists have threatened to leave al-Maliki’s government. “Al-Sadr’s ministers and 30 legislators boycotted the government and parliament for nearly two months to protest a November meeting between al-Maliki and
President Bush in Jordan.”

One of the main causes for today’s threat? al-Sadr’s movement is angry about the surge, which is hurting them.

This is one of the main problems with al-Sadr supporters: they are not just terrorists but also active politicians and… al-Maliki’s government relies on their support.

More bad news: “The international Red Cross released a report that found the situation for civilians in
Iraq is “ever-worsening,” even though security in some places has improved as a result of stepped-up efforts by U.S.-led multinational forces. A U.S. military spokesman said also
Iran is training Iraqis to make deadly roadside bombs known as EFPs.”

Cross posted at my own blog.