More from War on Iraq

Iraq: ‘Sunni Awakening’ Groups Flexing Their Muscle
By Dahr Jamail, Ahmed Ali
The Awakening Councils in Diyala province are stepping up their protests against the government in Baghdad. Read more ”

The U.S., and Iraq, dodged a bullet today when prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr renewed the Mahdi Army’s unilateral ceasefire for another six months. The ceasefire and other local actions undertaken by Iraqi groups is responsible for the “surge” that Bush claims to have been so effective.
It appears that the coalition has worked hard to undermine the truce. Buried in the second to last graph of today’s Washington Post story, is an oblique description of a very dangerous policy being pursued by the U.S. and the U.S.-aligned Maliki Administration: “Inside his movement, the decision was controversial. Many Mahdi Army leaders and politicians loyal to Sadr have called for the cease-fire to be lifted because they said it was being exploited by Iraqi and U.S. forces, and by their political rivals, to arrest Sadr’s followers.” That should read, “arrest, torture or kill his followers,” but this is the version sanitized for domestic consumption. The renewal lasts for six months, meaning the cease-fire is now scheduled to expire in mid-August if not renewed again.
People look to Washington to get us out of Iraq, but I’ve longed believed that it’s as likely that the U.S. will be forced to withdrawal by losing the Shiite (and maybe the Kurdish) population — making the occupation untenable — as it is that the American political class will concede defeat in Bush’s trademark Middle-East adventure.
We shall see. In the meantime, it’s important for people to stay informed. There’s a lot to digest this week, so grab a story or two.
Joshua Holland
Editor, War on Iraq coverage
 

How to Stay in Iraq for the Next Million Years
By Tom Engelhardt, Tomdispatch.com
When did immediate military withdrawal from Iraq stop being an option?

Intel Analyst: Don’t Bother with U.S. Media If You Want to Know About Iraq
By Alex Rossmiller, Presidio Press
In this stunning book excerpt, the author explains that he virtually ignored U.S. media coverage when collecting information on Iraq.

Turkish Troops, Tanks Invade Northern Iraq
Middle East Online
Troops backed by tanks penetrates 6 miles into northern Iraq to “hunt Kurdish separatists.”

The West to the World: Accept Our Values or Die
By Abid Mustafa, Middle East Online
The forceful imposition of Western values is far more of a threat to world peace than Muslim nations gaining WMD.

Half of Baghdad Still Without Water
By Ahmad Raheema, Azzaman
Despite the talk of progress, Iraq remains a nightmare.

How the Spooks Took over the News
By Nick Davies, The Independent UK
A controversial new book argues that shadowy intelligence agencies are pumping out black propaganda and the media simply swallow it wholesale.

PEEK and Video: The hottest buzz and videos on the web

McCain: I Could Send Troops ‘Anywhere’ for a ‘Long Period of Time’
By Attaturk, Firedoglake
John McCain continues his holiday from reality.

Bush Dismisses Iraq Recession, Claims War Has Nothing to Do With Economy
By Amanda Terkel, Think Progress
The Iraq war has created jobs — for the administration’s defense contractor allies. Read more 

John McCain Doubles Down on “100 Years in Iraq” Pledge
By Blue Texan, Firedoglake
St. McCain has officially adopted “Iraq 4 Evah!” as a campaign slogan.