Iraq Press Roundup

In its editorial "Moqtada has awakened," Kitabat newspaper addressed Moqtada Sadr's realization that his Mahdi Army was deepening sectarian divisions.

It said this realization, though late, is positive compared to bloodshed and ethnic cleansing it caused against other components of Iraqi society.

"This late awakening might not be useful for those interested in sectarian strife and killing, yet it is in the interest of Moqtada al-Sadr to get away with the daily bloodshed," it said.

It added that "awakenings of conscience" in the new Iraq are positive moves to help illuminate the daily crimes committed in Iraq.

It also said Sadr's supporters highlight his personality to actively contribute to manufacturing a dictatorship in Iraq. It said bravery and courage must not be measured by loud talk and threats as these concepts didn't help Saddam Hussein, the only Iraqi who threatened others yet his life ended hiding in a hole.

"In the world of instability, civil wars manufacture delusional heroes and characters that fade quickly," it said.

It said real bravery is to admit the mistakes that have been committed and stand against chaos.

It said Sadr's awakening is insufficient if it is not supported by solid actions to be performed on the ground. It said the Mahdi Army must be held accountable for violations of law.

"Moqtada's move is a golden opportunity to the Iraqi government to apply and impose the law, and control the militias in the streets," the editorial commented.

It said the government and its security forces have to confront unofficially armed groups with no regard to their loyalty or affiliation in order to strengthen Iraqi security forces. It said it was illogical to have the official government army then the Mahdi Army, or two judiciaries -- one set up by the government and one run by tribal sheiks.

The paper addressed those who think dissolving militias will create more enemies.

"The government would be committing a big mistake if it believed that eliminating street militias would weaken it because outlaws don't represent the Iraqi population's demands," it said.