US-Iraqi Forces Confront Mahdi Army in Baghdad

Threatswatch has a great article about the recent attack on Mahdi Army forces in Sadr City by Iraqi and American forces. By attacking militias from his own party, Mr. Sowall points out that Maliki is not only demonstrating his political credibility, but also military resolve.

Click here for a full read.

One point I would like to add that has not been voiced is Maliki is also demonstrating his political credibility by challenging the U.S. directly in public about ensuring we hold Soldiers accountable for their actions. He knows the U.S. will ensure Soldiers who violate the Laws of War will be punished. However, by publically stating this for Iraqi people, he is not seen as puppet of the American government. He is seen for what he is, the democratically elected leader to govern for the people of Iraq.

The parties of Iraq made a good choice in selecting Maliki as their first democratically elected leader for the next four years. There is a lot of similarities between him and a statesmen from a long time ago in America-George Washington.