Fred Kaplan at Slate has a great article about the relationship between Iraq and Iran, as well as Iran and the US, especailly relating to the battle of Basra. Here's the money quote.
Since the start of the offensive in Basra, Sadr's Mahdi Army has resumed shooting at American soldiers in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad, and, interestingly, in that fight, the Iranians are supporting Sadr.
In other words, we find ourselves lassoed into an armed intra-Shiite power struggle on two fronts‚ and the Iranians are positioned to benefit from one or both contests, no matter whether the side we’re backing wins or loses.
Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Working on a big post on Egypt that should be up tomorrow. Selah.