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Iraq Fires 1,300 Cops, Troops After Basra

Baghdad says they ducked fight with Shiite militias

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 13, 2008 5:16 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Iraq sacked 1,300 troopers and policemen today for fighting poorly or not at all in last month’s Basra battles. “Some of them were sympathetic with these lawbreakers,” said one official. “Some refused to battle for political, national, sectarian or religious reasons.” The firings are tantamount to Baghdad admitting it failed in the clashes against Shiite insurgents, the New York Times reports.

Earlier this month, a government official blamed soldiers' reticence on fear: “They felt the other party was too strong, and too courageous and they couldn’t confront them.” Today Baghdad also drafted a law to ban parties from October's provincial elections unless they disband their militias—a clear attempt to increase pressure on cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's offensive against Shiite militias has been widely criticized.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's offensive against Shiite militias has been widely criticized.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
The Iraqi government has dismissed 1,300 of its soldiers for poor performance.
The Iraqi government has dismissed 1,300 of its soldiers for poor performance.   (AP Photo)
The Iraqi government has dismissed 1,300 of its soldiers for poor performance.
The Iraqi government has dismissed 1,300 of its soldiers for poor performance.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File)
The Iraqi government has dismissed 1,300 of its soldiers for poor performance.
The Iraqi government has dismissed 1,300 of its soldiers for poor performance.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker, file)
Mahdi Army fighters have been battling Iraqi security forces in Sadr City.
Mahdi Army fighters have been battling Iraqi security forces in Sadr City.   (AP Photo)
Mahdi Army fighters intimidated Iraqi soldiers, an Iraqi official said.
Mahdi Army fighters intimidated Iraqi soldiers, an Iraqi official said.   (AP Photo)
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Petraeus calls Maliki crackdown poorly planned
Reuters

Liquor vendors, daily life resume in Basra
Associated Press

 
Sadr City • Mahdi Army • Nouri al-Maliki • Basra • Iraqi soldiers • Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council • Iraqi government • Muqtada al-Sadr • Shiite militants

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