Maliki: We Will Confront Those Trying to Occupy al-Karkh

Prime minister Nuri al-Maliki has accused some parties which he did not name of working to "occupy" the majority Sunni al-Karkh area in western Baghdad, affirming that the government would confront the parties. He announced that his administration would issue a resolution prohibiting partisan activities inside the security and armed forces. (Many have expressed concern that members of the military and security forces are more loyal to their parties and militias than the state.) Addressing parliament, Maliki said the government would defend al-Karkh area and prevent terrorists from occupying it, saying he felt badly for the residents because security forces, despite their efforts, had fallen short in protecting the public.