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US Joins Sunni Militants to Smash Qaeda

Officer on alliance: 'We have made a deal with the devil'

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 9, 2007 3:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – American soldiers in Baghdad's violent Amiriyah district of have formed an unlikely alliance in an effort to root out al-Qaeda In Iraq. US troops are giving guns, and even the power of arrest, to a Sunni paramilitary group—and a week into the partnership, they’ve helped kill or capture as many al-Qaeda In Iraq members as Americans did during the previous six months.

Some are encouraged by the success, likening the outfit—who call themselves the Baghdad Patriots—to minutemen defending their homes during the American Revolution. Others are less sure, questioning the group's ultimate allegiance to the Maliki government. But for many, desperation is the only ethic that counts. "Hell, nothing else has worked in Amiriyah," said one colonel.

U.S. troops integrate with Iraqi troops and civilians. (Getty Images)

US soldiers from the 1/14 Cavalry division aim their weapons. (Getty Images)

U.S. soldiers (Getty Images)

U.S. soldier stands guard (Getty Images)

A hooded Iraqi policeman (left) and a US Marine. (Getty Images)

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US Joins Sunni Militants to Smash Qaeda

Officer on alliance: 'We have made a deal with the devil'

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Gates Arrives in Iraq in Wake of Bombings

US officials say spate of violence won't affect withdrawal plan

Bush Drops In on Iraq

Prez makes surprise trip to Baghdad, will meet with Maliki, generals

Wave of Bombings Targets Iraq's Shiites, Killing 72

Heightens fears that attacks will increase now that US has withdrawn

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

Pentagon Denies Jan. 1 Iraq Pullout

Discussions with Baghdad 'are ongoing': spokesman

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US Joins Sunni Militants to Smash Qaeda

Officer on alliance: 'We have made a deal with the devil'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Sunni • Baghdad • Nouri al-Maliki • Baghdad Patriots • US troops • Amiriyah • Iraq war • al-Qaeda in Iraq

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Gates Arrives in Iraq in Wake of Bombings

US officials say spate of violence won't affect withdrawal plan

Bush Drops In on Iraq

Prez makes surprise trip to Baghdad, will meet with Maliki, generals

Wave of Bombings Targets Iraq's Shiites, Killing 72

Heightens fears that attacks will increase now that US has withdrawn

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

Pentagon Denies Jan. 1 Iraq Pullout

Discussions with Baghdad 'are ongoing': spokesman

About Us

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Newser By Users

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