Iraq Moves to Disarm the Militias – Fights Sadr Militia

See Washington Post October 9, 2006 article U.S. and Iraqi Forces Clash With Sadr Militia in South by Amit R. Paley.

The key to ending the sectarian violence in Iraq is for the central government to have a monopoly on violence, having the only army and police force, and disarming the militias. The article includes:
■ “U.S. troops engaged in ferocious clashes with militiamen loyal to anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in southern Iraq on Sunday”

■ “American and Iraqi forces killed 30 fighters”

■ “In Baghdad, police reported the discovery of at least 53 bodies dumped across the capital over the past 24 hours. All of the victims had been shot and tortured, and their hands were bound. Militias have been blamed for similar killings thought to be driving the sectarian bloodshed.”

■ “Sadr officials expressed concern that the U.S. military would soon launch a strike on Sadr City or other Sadr strongholds”