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Article: Separation Anxiety As U.S. Prepares To Leave Sadr City; Locals, Americans Fear Return of Mayhem
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- May 17, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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The unthinkable is happening in Sadr City as the U.S. military
begins to shut down its outposts to meet a June 30 deadline to
withdraw from Iraqi cities.
Separation anxiety is growing among residents, local leaders and
American soldiers in the sprawling, impoverished Shiite district
that was once the most dangerous battlefield in Baghdad for U.S.
troops.
"When the Americans leave, everything will be looted because no
one will be watching," an Iraqi army lieutenant newly deployed there
said. "There will be a civil war -- without a doubt," predicted an
Iraqi interpreter. Council members have asked about political asylum
in the United States.
Mohammed Alami, a local leader who calls himself ...