Iraq: what's going on here?

[Adrian II]

You think Iran is supporting or controlling the terrorists?

Neither. And I just don't know.

Often when you ask a question, people suppose you have a ready-made answer you're trying to push. Not so. But I have a hunch we're missing something important.

The head of counter-insurgency is shot dead on his way to work whilst the Iranian foreign minister is traipsing around the country with flowers in his hair. What is wrong in this picture?

[Franconicus]

Neither. And I just don't know.

Often when you ask a question, people suppose you have a ready-made answer you're trying to push. Not so. But I have a hunch we're missing something important.

The head of counter-insurgency is shot dead on his way to work whilst the Iranian foreign minister is traipsing around the country with flowers in his hair. What is wrong in this picture?

Sorry! I misunderstood

[Adrian II]

Sorry! I misunderstood

Not at all, my friend! It's just that I can't answer your question. Your line-up of considerations is fine and I'm happy I'm not the only one who is wondering about this.

[Tribesman]

link
Further talk on assasinations .
So the long term problem , what can you do ?
You have political parties with armed supporters . Some of these militias are integrated into the security forces , some are kept intact outside of the security forces . Both sorts are being used as "political" tools .
So how can you fight the terrorism and get political progress when the terrorists are in the police and politics ?
It makes the problems concerning de commissioning and de militarisation in the 6 counties with the good Friday Agreement look like a kiddies tea party in comparison .

[Adrian II]

link
Further talk on assasinations .

Speaking to the Guardian, General Hassan al-Sade said half of his 13,750-strong force was secretly working for political parties in Iraq's second city and that some officers were involved in ambushes.

I read that article too. Yes, it occurred to me that the gentleman might be exaggerating for political effect. And no, on second thought I believe that he didn't, and that his statement goes a long way toward explaining some situations. However, this is Basra, not Bagdad with its central bureaucratic position and its intense social and religious divisions.

[Tribesman]

However, this is Basra, not Bagdad with its central bureaucratic position and its intense social and religious divisions.
Yes , but the assassinations are countrywide and affecting politicians and officials of all persuations , it seems to me that all the parties are aiming for power through the barrel of a gun .
It does look a little like civil war .