The Iraq sectarian proxy war

"For Maj. William Voorhies, the American commander of the military training unit at the scene [in Baghdad], the moment encapsulated his increasingly frustrating task — trying to build up Iraqi security forces who themselves are being used as proxies in a spreading sectarian war. This time, it was a Sunni politician — Vice Prime Minister Salam al-Zubaie — but the more powerful Shiites interfered even more often.
. . . This country’s security is going to be left in the hands of Iraqi forces. Those forces, already struggling with corruption and infiltration, have shown little willingness to stand up to political pressure, especially when the Americans are not there to support them. That suggests, the commanders say, that if the Americans leave soon, violence will redouble.
. . . The Sunni forces are being bolstered by support from insurgent strongholds in the West. The Shiite militias are using neighborhoods in the north, specifically Shuala and Sadr City, as bases of operation. There is also increasing evidence that militia members from southern cities like Basra are coming to Baghdad to join the fight."

source
The New York Times. Sectarian Ties Weaken Duty’s Call for Iraq Forces. December 28, 2006.

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posted: friday, december 29, 2006, 10:01 PM ET
update: friday, december 29, 2006, 10:03 PM ET

tags: iraq proxy sectarian