Al Qaida in Iraq is trying to improve its image. According to bloggers in Baghdad Al Qaida forces have been circulating in some neighborhoods handing out money and fixing up storefronts. They are actively encouraging people to return to their closed shops and businesses. They are offering protection against further attacks and violence.
Unfortunately, these same factions have been implicated in assaults and rapes of Iraqi civilians in the same neighborhoods. The stories are still only anecdotal but it would follow a similar pattern that has happened in the past. The assaults are designed to threaten and intimidate anyone who cooperates with the US forces.
Mix this latest push with the actions of the rival militias and the whole situation sounds pretty chaotic. There have been brief respites in the violence, but the long term outlook is still dim. For a personal and enlightening look at life in Baghdad check out
http://last-of-iraqis.blogspot.com/.
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