Iraqi forces backed by US troops launched a new offensive against Shiite fighters in the south of the country early on Thursday after the expiry of a four-day deadline to surrender weapons.
. . . some analysts say the move is also an attempt by Maliki and his Shiite ally, the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council, to weaken their main rival, hardline cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, ahead of provincial elections due in October.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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