The recent attack by a suicide bomber on the one of the most important Shiite mosque, which killed at least 13 people, is a clear indication that Al-Qaida in Iraq is not down and out.



The attack seems to be symbolic as the Imam of the Buratha mosque, located in Northern Baghdad is a leading politician and frequently criticizes Al-Qaida.



In fact, Al-Qaida needs to re-assert itself in Iraq otherwise there are chances it would loose the local support base which would hit its operation in Iraq since Al-Qaida by no means can carry out operations with a handful foreigners only recruited for the purpose.



However, the attack blew the efforts of the coalition forces, which had previously carried out a huge security operation for restoring order in the capital.



The sectarian strife is likely to intensify since every factions would try to assert their authority. A gunman in the southern part of Basra has killed a Sunni Arab Cleric, who was representative of influential Association of Muslim Scholars.



So these attacks, at least for now, are mere symbolic but if the coalition forces fail to check these attacks, which seems impossible, it can soon spread, killing many innocent lives.



Just before the Iraq war, many were confused and puzzled over what would happen next. Now the war is over, but people are still puzzled and confused. Iraq at present needs a decisive action plan but the widespread confusion and sentiments prevent Iraqis, Arabs, and Americans from such action.



Strategically if we see, the U.S. administration has the valuable opportunity to curb extremism of the Arab and Islamic World. The second point is due to its strong position at the moment in the region the U.S. administration can effectively try to resolve disputes between Islamic world and the Israel. However, the fact is American doe not think that way.



This war will remain indecisive as the Americans have already missed the victory bus, yet the victory does not belong to Iraqis or Mujahideen.



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