As US Troops Pull Out, Will Iraq Head Towards Civil War?

By Gilbert Mercier, NEWS JUNKIE POST

Tuesday, June 30 is the deadline for US troops withdrawal from all major cities and towns in Iraq.

In the last few days, violence has been on the rise in Iraq, and there is growing concerns about the readiness of Iraqi’s security forces to handle the vacuum left by the American forces.

Iraq’s Prime Minister, Al-Maliki, described the June 30 deadline as an historic moment and a “turning point”. He declared the day as a “National Sovereignty Day,” and a public holiday.

However, his government is tightening security all across Iraq. After last week deadly bombing attacks, motorcycles were banned from the streets of Baghdad indefinitely. Last week, the deadly attack ,conducted by using a motorcycle, killed 62 people and wounded more than 150. Al-Maliki reassured Iraqis that his security forces were able to protect the population.

“We assure you of Iraqi forces readiness for the mission, despite some security violation, and we assure you that we are now more stable & ready.” Al-Maliki said.

Beside the situation in Baghdad, the other hot spot is Mosul in the North. Last week, a deal was reached for US troops to stay in some area of Mosul, despite the pull out deadline, in a “non-combat role.”

The coming week will be a major test for Al-Maliki’s government in its ability to contain the violence, and make sure that ethnic tensions between Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds do not flare up dangerously again.