Iraqi tribes launch battle to drive al-Qaida out of troubled province

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Al-Qaida in Iraq is being pushed out of its strongholds in Anbar province after three days of fighting with Iraq's fiercely independent tribes.

[...]

The clashes erupted after a new grouping calling itself the Anbar Rescue Council - which claims to represent a large number of Anbar tribes and sub-clans - said it intended to clear the province of the terrorist group.

[...]

Where once tribal leaders in Anbar and western Iraq welcomed al-Qaida, providing them with safehouses and other logistical support, there is now open war.

From Falluja, where the notoriously fractious Bou Eisa clan have turned against al-Qaida, to the city of Qaim, where it is the Bou Mahal who are pursuing them, they are being being pushed out of their old strongholds in the rural west.

[...]

It is a battle being driven by deep-rooted social, religious and political considerations. The traditional power of the tribal leaders has been undermined by al-Qaida "emirs". Some sheikhs have also become sickened by al-Qaida attacks aimed at Shias, believing they are not only wrong, but that they will ultimately hurt Sunnis - an issue that apparently came to a head with the bombing of the Golden Shrine in Samarra in February.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/st...1886032,00.html

[Mirorgate 0]

Good for them

[almaty 19]

i agree...time to kick some azz

[arwensun1965 0]

About time, this may be the turning point that Iraq needs.

[Mirorgate 0]

About time, this may be the turning point that Iraq needs.

but guess who will take the credit for that

[Saddle Bronc 124]

About time, this may be the turning point that Iraq needs./quote]

but guess who will take the credit for that

The only ones who CAN are the tribals (as it looks like they decided this on their own). But Rice is likely to take undue credit.