There is growing popular dissatisfaction with the poor performance of local administrations across IraqÂ’s southern provinces and the growing pressures practiced by clerics who are trying to Islamize the society. To make matters worse are the atrocities committed by some militias and the bitter fighting among ruling parties in which ordinary citizens pay the highest price.
I think clerics and politicians in Prime Minister MalikiÂ’s United Iraq Alliance realize this dissatisfaction may lead to an awakening movement similar to the one that has taken place in Anbar province in the western part of Iraq.