Hezbollah is a Shiite party whose headquarters is in Basra. It has clashed with other groups as well as with the Iraqi government.

The editorial said that no matter how serious the reasons for the clashes between the Mahdi Army and Iraqi forces, they are still no more than excuses for the heinous battles that the two sides carried out.

"The Iraqi government, through the use of excessive force, tried to impose the law even though those they aimed at hid among civilians and took their houses as safe havens," it said.

The paper also said a legitimate government has the full right to apply the constitution and its legislation, which allows them to fights armed groups.

"The law must be applied even if it takes a river of blood as a path. … The occupation wouldn't end if the situation is chaotic because it allows the criminals and killers to move freely," it added.

It also said analysts found slogans raised during the clashes weren't directed against a specific side.

It said the clashes were a result of the mistrust among the ruling and opposition parties over important matters. It added that demanding "rights of people" and "lifting of oppression" does not come with bloodshed, chaos and kidnapping.

"If there is any oppression against any groups or individuals, the constitution and the Iraqi law is capable of assisting people with justice through the use of peaceful tools," it said.

The Basra-based newspaper said the Iraqi people's demands are simple and don't exceed jobs and electricity. … When security deteriorates, they only want security.

"People's demands are simple; they don't want to die or lie in hospitals until they die or become disabled," the paper added.

When Saddam was in power the parties, who were then in opposition and now rule Iraqi, were all united yet today they fight each other, the editorial said.

It concluded that the reasons for the clashes were power and politics.

The paper warned that there will be a day where the Iraqi people will stop demanding, and start doing what they think is fair and in their interests.

"The Iraqi government is unwilling to confront a day when people arise as it might cost them the entire process," it added.