Basra people relieved, still fear militia return

A university student in Basra, Eman Ali said her life was hell during the past few years when gangs of militiamen ruled her city, forcing everyone to obey a set of strict religious codes.

She, like most people in this once vibrant location, is grateful of an Iraqi-led offensive to drive the armed thugs off the streets, but fears that they will return. Ms Ali is also critical of Britain's efforts in Basra, applauding instead the tougher approach she felt that US forces employ.

"I was on the verge of death as were many girls who refused to follow the orders of the militias," said the 24-year-old.

"I stopped going to college because I did not want to be forced to wear a headscarf. Many of my friends were killed for disobeying."

Four months after the first Iraqi soldiers, backed by US military advisors and British and US air power, entered Basra, Ms Ali is once again attending class but she remains fretful about the future.

"It is true that things are better in Basra, but until this moment it is not the desired improvement," she said. "As a woman I cannot feel safe. May be this is because of old fears of what we have endured. I pray to God that this is the case."

Salim Anas Muhiddeen, is a 52-year-old doctor who works in Basra. Professionals, such as doctors, were targeted by the black-clad militiamen, forcing many to flee.

"The situation in Basra is much better than before when this was a terrorised city controlled by car-loads of militiamen," the doctor said. "The offices of these armed men were like the security offices under Saddam Hussein, not to mention the empty houses that were used to torture anyone who dared to criticise their practices."

He praised the conduct of soldiers from the 1st Division of the Iraqi Army, the fledgling military's best-trained unit, who took part in the Basra offensive to boost the numbers of the homegrown 14th Division.

"We noticed the fighting ability of the 1st Division. They were well equipped, had professional training and worked well with local citizens to ensure success and defy the gangsters," Dr Muhiddeen said.

He had less of a glowing impression of the British military, which had control of security in Basra from March 2003 until December 2007, a period that saw the al-Mehdi Army militia grow in strength and influence.

"British forces did not make an impression on the people of Basra. They let the militia control the city and stayed away from events."

Ms Ali was also unimpressed, describing the British troops as lodgers.

"As we know, people who rent stay away from trouble even if it is harming the house he has rented," she said.

"In my personal opinion, although I have no expertise, the US forces always want to appear strong and able to succeed in any battle. They will never allow militias to ruin the reputation of the US army."

Not everyone in Basra is happy with the results of the Charge of the Knights operation, particularly supporters of Moqtada al-Sadr, the Shia Muslim cleric who heads the Mehdi Army.

"Life in Basra is worse than before," complained Sadiq al-Jabiri, a 49-year-old civil servant.

"People used to be able to move around freely but now there are numerous checkpoints," he said, accusing the police or soldiers who man them of mistreating local civilians.

"The killings stopped after the military operations, not because they eliminated the militants but because the militants decided to stop killing."

Mr Jabiri said the militiamen did not lose, they simply chose not to fight anymore. "They left the streets for the army to enter, which is proof of the good intentions of the militias. They are not death squads."

Picture 1: Iraqi girls shop in Basra. Once a city gripped by fear of death squads, now shops are open late and crowds throng the streets after Iraqi troops claimed victory over Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia in Basra AFP/GETTY

Picture 2: A British soldier buys a cup of tea from a vendor in a market in the Garma area, north of the city of Basra, about 610 km (380 miles) southeast of Baghdad, July 10, 2008. Three months after a security crackdown in Iraq's oil capital of Basra, there are signs of economic revival. But investment to help secure the peace faces hurdles from bureaucratic inertia, lack of technical skills and foreign businesses' uncertainty about whether the calm will hold. REUTERS/Atef Hassan (IRAQ)

Picture 3: A British soldier drinks a soft drink during a patrol in a market in the Garma area, north of the city of Basra, about 610 km (380 miles) southeast of Baghdad, July 10, 2008. Three months after a security crackdown in Iraq's oil capital of Basra, there are signs of economic revival. REUTERS/Atef Hassan (IRAQ)

Comments

[Ahmed]

Well, I have new news the Militia back again to Basra city and the killing start again as well. The Charge of Knights operation achieved very short time results. All the militia runaway during the operation to Iran, and when it finished they back again to continue what they started. Even the heads of the militias seized by the army they released in secret way!! Did we hear about any courts or penalty to charge them??? The answer is very easy (NO).

[Fabien]

This is all the more proof that the war is being won and that if the Coalition left and hadn't increased the momentum of their offensive, the Iraqi people would have been worse off. I'm proud of the job our troops are doing and hope that they continue.

[Patrick]

So getting your buts kicked by a rag tag militia, having to beg them for a peace deal, and having to release prisoners and keep U.S. Troops out of Basra in order to take control of the city is victory for the Iraqi Army. What a joke. If it wasn't for U.S. airpower the violence would still be just as bad, and once we leave things will change dramatically. The coalition can not stop the civil war that will occur over Kirkuk and should get out while it still has the chance. If they don't the U.S. and coalition forces will regret it.

[Albert Judd]

We admire and are grateful for the bravery of our armed forces, who risk their lives for us, and the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, reports from Basra have increasingly called into question the resolution and even competence of the British Army there, and remind us of the Royal Navy's very public humiliation at the hands of Iranian forces.

Are such developments a result just of policy confusion, or has the success of the British PC movement begun affecting the capabilities of the armed forces?

[Ted]

"The killings stopped after the military operations, not because they eliminated the militants but because the militants decided to stop killing."

Hilarious. This sounds like a 7 year-old's excuse after losing a game; 'Nuh-uh, I wasn't even trying!'

[Jordan Lewis]

People like Ahmed are the reason we have to win this war.

People like Patrick are the reason we might not have the opportunity.

[osscar morenojr]

i truly have fallen in love with iraq. i want it to be a part of america. NOT IN THE SENSE OF OUR OCCUPATION THERE BUT THE PARTNERSHIP WE CAN HAVE AFTER ALL THE BATLES ARE OVER. I FEEL FOR THE IRAQIS LOSSING LIVES OVER IRANS INTENTIONS TO HAVE AN UNSTABILIZED COUNTRY BECAUSE OF THE U.S.. I PRAY FOR IRAQ AND ITS FREEDOM. YOU ARE A WEALTHY COUNTRY, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT.

[JIMMY HEIDELBERG]

I feel that the only reason Iran is
interfearing in this war is because
they still want to take over Iraq so
that they can control that region of the Middle East and become the
super power in that area.

[Sarah]

Good for Iran Jimmy. Thank you for doing the job for Iran.

Now its time for you lads to pack your bags and go home, thank you.

[Doc Mick]

As soon as the yanks move out the Iranians will move in. A really stupid and very expensive war this one.

Good bye Pres Bush. Thanks for everything.

[Jessica]

How does obama plan to withdraw troops after all that suffering and money loss??

[Alice]

Just wondering if the Coalition forces have managed to find all the billions of dollars worth of oil that has gone "missing" yet, while it was in their care?