The Iraqi government is negotiating with one of the most powerful Shiite Muslim militias in an attempt to secure the release of a kidnapped Sunni Arab parliament member, a Sunni legislator said Monday. Amar Jubouri said that government officials have held discussions with followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who leads the thousands-strong Mahdi Army militia, with the goal of securing freedom for Tayseer al-Mashhadani. Sadr has been an outspoken opponent of the U.S. presence in Iraq, and his militia members are frequently accused by Sunnis of playing a major role in Iraq’s continuing violence. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.