The rivalry between the Muslim religious sects, Shi’ite and Sunni, could re-erupt in violence again.
The Shi’ite militia under radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which was crippled two years ago, has begun to regroup and adds a new dimension to the challenges in Iraq. The so called Mahdi Army has been recalled to help protect Shi’ite mosques where a number of bombings have been targeting worshipers.
According to the AP, a spokesman for al-Sadr said the Mahdi Army was being reinstated to make sure the U.S. “occupiers” stick to the withdrawal date of 31 Dec 2011.
Naturally, the Sunnis fear that the radicals will engage in new violence in Sunni neighborhoods.
The Shi’ites gained seats in the recent parliament elections and caused a deadlock in the parliament due to no clear majority after the March 7, 2010, vote to form a government.
It was announced yesterday that the political bloc of Nouri al-Maliki, the incumbent Iraqi prime minister, has joined forces with its main Shi’ite rival, the Iraqi National Alliance (INA), leaving the newly formed bloc just four seats short of a parliamentary majority.
It can be assumed that the Kurds may offer support if they get something in return.
Peace is not at hand.
