Baghdad: No change here

Even after thousands of US and Iraqi forces were deployed to curb violence in Baghdad, the carnage continues. On Monday, two car bombs exploded in Al-Shorja Market in central Baghdad, killing 60 civilians and wounding many others. An average of 30 bodies are found in Baghdad and other areas every single day. Over 1,500 lost their lives in December in Baghdad alone, many to sectarian violence.

The new security plan for Baghdad aims, among other things, to eradicate much-feared death squads. The arrest of Hakem Al-Zamli, deputy minister of health and a close associate of Moqtada Al-Sadr, is a sign that the government is determined to curb the activities of death squads, said commentator Raad Al-Hadithi.

General George Casey, former commander of the multinational forces, said that the arrest of Al-Zamli had been conducted with the consent of Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki. According to US reports, Al-Zamli may have been involved in the abduction and killing of Ali Al-Mahdawi, director-general of the health department in Diyali. Al-Zamli is also suspected of hiring many of the militiamen of Al-Mahdi Army.

The Sunnis have regained control of Halima Al-Saadiya Mosque in Al-Sadr City, which had been seized by Al-Mahdi army a year ago. "This too is an indication that Al-Maliki's government has given in to US pressure and is no longer protecting Al-Sadr supporters," said Al-Hadithi.

More
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2007/832/re72.htm