Truce

We read that a truce between the military arm of Muqtada al-Sadr's followers and US - Iraq troops is still in effect but might be on the verge of breaking. The truce is a key element of the Bush alleged success of the 'surge.'

The news is sketchy, but the fighting is heating up.

FT: Iraqi forces battle militia in Basra

Iraq security forces launched an offensive against militias in the southern port city of Basra on Tuesday, triggering heavy fighting in which dozens of people were reported killed.

The move comes amid increased tension between the Iraqi government and the radical Sadrist movement, which has called for a campaign of civil disobedience to protest against government actions.