BASRA: PART OF A FAILING STATE

Now that the British have withdrawn from the 2nd largest city in Iraq, what's the security situation like? Not very good.

U.K. Exit Leaves Basra's Future In Doubt
As Troops Withdraw From Iraq's Second-Largest City,
Are Local Troops Ready To Take Over?
BASRA, Iraq, Sept. 4, 2007


While on the way to see the local governor, Logan reports that their lives were in the hands of his uncle and personal security force - the only men Gov. Mohammed al-Waili trusts in a city that's become a battleground for rival militias that have infiltrated the police force and tried repeatedly to kill him. "Those policemen outside the front of your building, do you trust them" asked Logan. "Not all of them," al-Waili replied.

The Asia Times let us know who the main players are:

Basra crisis is Iran's opportunity
By Kaveh L Afrasiabi
Sep 5, 2007

...the ongoing inter-Shi'ite power struggle. This is mainly between and among the three dominant groups, Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army and its sub-factions, the Fadhila Party presently running the city, and the Supreme Iraq Islamic Council and its Badr militias.