When the U.S.A led NATO forces invaded Iraq, they promised the Iraqis better life and more liberty than what they enjoyed under Saddam Hussein’s regime. However, situation in Iraq became worse jeopardizing the secularism of the country. Basra, in fact had been badly hit with the Shiite Islamic militia, the al-Mahdi Army, proliferating in the once prosperous city. The militia imposed strict Islamic laws in Basra that included atrocities on women. Women were forced to wear headscarves, they were not allowed to attend university, wear jeans or bright coloured clothes and were forbidden to sit beside male colleagues. There was restriction on using mobile phones and listening to music. The militia clad in black had terrorized Basra since 2003 when the British army marched into the city.
The British military failed to salvage Basra from the tyranny of the militia. It was only after a surprise crackdown by the Iraqi troop last month that normalcy has once again returned to the city. The Iraqi troops have killed dozens of fighters, arrested 400 men but at the same time, it is feared that about 60 militia leaders have fled to Iran or are lying low outside Basra planning their next move.
The Shiite militia in Basra had created a force of 200 to 300 police officers collectively known as the Jameat. They were answerable only to Basra’s militia leaders. The infiltration of the militia in Basra’s police force and government had made even the police chief of the city jittery who had said that he trusts only a quarter of his men. The rise of the militia had been an obstacle to the Bush administration’s long-term goal of replacing the American-led forces with Iraqis. However, when it came to eliminating the militia from Basra, it was found that the Iraqi troops were better equipped than the Americans and the British.
Men and women in Basra have finally become free. There are no sartorial and other restrictions on women. Bands are playing music in the wedding ceremonies. It now appears that it would be best for Basra as well as for Iraq if the US and its allies left the region for good.
Via:Times
