U.S. troops detained the eldest son of Iraq’s most influential Shiite politician for nearly 12 hours Friday as he crossed back from Iran — the same route Washington believes is used to keep powerful Shiite militias flush with weapons and aid. Even though the U.S. ambassador issued a rapid apology, the decision to hold Amar al-Hakim risks touching off a backlash from Shiite leaders at a time when their cooperation is needed most to keep a major security sweep through Baghdad from unraveling. Shiite reaction to the detention was quick and sharp, with some officials suggesting it was a veiled warning about the limits of ties to Iran. Full Story
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