Bending the Third Rail
Because We Should, We Can, We Do
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Attacks on Sadr City
Quiet Sunday here, not so quiet in Iraq. Forty four deaths from bombings and mortar attacks is not a good sign. But that's not the most important news regarding the attacks.

It is very important to note where these bombings occurred ... Sadr City in Baghdad. Just the other day I read an article (can't remember where) about a ceremony that was held last week celebrating the withdrawal of the U.S. military from Sadr City. The policing activities were turned over to the new Iraqi government with much fanfare as proof that the Iraqi police/military are taking over. General John "everything is swell" Abizaid knew there'd be trouble:
On March 4, Gen. John Abizaid, chief of the U.S. Central Command, also predicted another such attack by terrorists trying to spark all-out civil war in the country.

"They'll find some other place that's undefended, they'll strike it and they'll hope for more sectarian violence," the general said after a two-day visit to Baghdad.
Gee, you think these widespread bombings and attacks within Sadr City are meant to send a message? And why isn't our media reporting the link between a celebrated "turnover" and the new violence?

I know, I know ......