
![]() |
|
|

| [-] |

| [−] |
| [−] |
| [−] |
| [−] |
Prev | List | Random | Next |

A progress report from Iraq in the LA Times:
Iraq Takes Control Of U.S.-Backed Sunni FightersA previous entry on the topic here, with longer background on the "Sons of Iraq" here.The transition is the first step toward integrating 100,000 militiamen into public life, which the Shiite-led government hopes will ease sectarian tensions.
BAGHDAD — The Shiite-led Iraqi government Wednesday took command of 54,000 Sunni fighters here in the capital in a U.S.-backed effort to ease sectarian mistrust and offer Sunnis a stronger stake in the country's future.
The fighters, known as the Sons of Iraq, were the first wave of what is expected to be 100,000 Sunni Muslims nationwide to join the army, police and other government agencies. Many fighters, however, feared that they would be marginalized and discriminated against in a nation with a high unemployment rate, rigid sectarian allegiances and a Shiite Muslim majority.