Sadr’s Dark Warning

Patrick Cockburn / Truthdig Apr 22, 2008 The militia leader's threat of an "open war" between his supporters and the U.S.-backed Iraqi government has ratcheted up tensions in Basra and Baghdad. [In this analysis, columnist Patrick Cockburn of The Independent looks into the current situation in light of Sadr's history with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.] Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Sadr Warns of ‘Open War’

Staff / Truthdig Apr 20, 2008 Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr issued a strong warning to the Iraqi government Saturday, claiming that he and his supporters will "declare a war until liberation" if a crackdown against his Mahdi Army continues. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Bush?s Parallel Universe

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Apr 11, 2008 No, it's not your imagination: The "debate" about Iraq, and I use the word loosely, becomes ever more surreal as the occupation drags on. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Everything His President Wants to Hear

Robert Scheer / Truthdig Apr 9, 2008 General Betray Us? Of course he has. MoveOn.org can hardly be expected to recycle its slogan from last September, when Gen. David Petraeus testified in support of escalating the U.S. war in Iraq, given the hysterical denunciations that worthy group received at the time. But it was right then -- as it would be to repeat the charge now. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

No Exit (Yet)

Staff / Truthdig Apr 8, 2008 Gen. David Petraeus dug in his heels during a Senate hearing Tuesday, refusing to give specifics about additional U.S. troop withdrawal plans after July, recommending a "pause" instead and taking heat from congressional opponents like Carl Levin and Hillary Clinton in the process. Meanwhile, John McCain spoke of "real hope and optimism" for Iraq's future. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Maliki Gives Up the Fight

Staff / Truthdig Apr 5, 2008 Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, just a day after some tough talk, has caved on his promise to disarm militant Iraqis. The news that the Iraqi government would no longer pursue "people who carry weapons" comes on the heels of an Iran-backed truce with rival Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

More Trouble for Iraq’s PM

Staff / Truthdig Apr 4, 2008 Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faced a crisis last week when 1,000 to 1,500 of his troops, including from several dozen to more than 100 officers, refused to fight in the battle against Shiite militia members in Basra, raising questions about Iraqi security force readiness. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Consider Iraq Defined

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Apr 1, 2008 Quite a "defining moment" in Iraq, wasn't it? At this rate, John McCain is going to be proved right: The war will last a century. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Sadr Cuts a Deal

Staff / Truthdig Mar 31, 2008 Moqtada al-Sadr, after reaching an agreement with several Iraqi officials, has ordered his followers to stop fighting. Basra has reportedly quieted, but fighting continued in Baghdad despite the announcement. Underscoring Iran's influence over the affairs of its neighbor, the deal was apparently brokered by the head of Iran's Quds force, which the U.S. Congress has branded a terrorist organization. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Fighting Rages for Fifth Day in Iraq Offensive

Staff / Truthdig Mar 30, 2008 American and British troops joined forces with Iraqi government troops battling the Mahdi Army in Basra and Sadr City on Saturday as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's offensive, launched Tuesday, passed the fifth day with little sign of reprieve and a great deal riding on its outcome. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Oh, Right, There’s That Whole ‘War’ Thing

Staff / Truthdig Mar 30, 2008 OK, John McCain, still "fine" with the U.S. staying in Iraq for another 100 years? And as for the Democratic presidential hopefuls, how does the whole troop withdrawal scenario change in light of the outbreak of heavy fighting in Basra this week? These are just a couple of the questions that couldn't be more timely -- or pressing -- on the campaign trail this weekend. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Iraq Exploding as Shiite Fights Shiite

Patrick Cockburn / Truthdig Mar 27, 2008 A new civil war may be looming in Iraq as American-backed Iraqi government forces battle Shiite militiamen for control of Basra and parts of Baghdad. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )