When it comes to the many news stories about Iraq, it can be tough to keep all the terms straight and understand who’s who and what’s what. Let’s break down some of the people and places in the news right now.

 

First, the news
Suicide bombers killed almost 200 people this week as thousands of Shiites made pilgrimage to Karbala City for a religious holiday, and as Iraqi and U.S. forces began a security sweep in Sadr City. The new U.S. Commander in Iraq said in his first press conference, there is “no military solution” to the violence.

Now, the terms
When you see references to SADR CITY, know it’s a large, very poor Shiite slum in northeast Baghdad. Two million people live here, with limited access to fresh water and a poor sewer system. It’s controlled, policed and protected by the Mahdi Army.

The MAHDI ARMY is a volatile, anti-American Shiite militia in Iraq responsible for violence against Sunnis, protection of Shiites against Sunni insurgents, and fierce protection of Sadr City. The group operates largely independently of the government and without reprise, though recently, bowing to U.S. pressure, Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki told the group to disarm or face consequences—a difficult task given the support he receives from Mahdi leader, Moqtada al Sadr.

MOQTADA AL SADR is the popular, radical cleric--the son of a powerful Shiite cleric killed under Saddam's regime--who wields much political influence in Iraq. It’s the Mahdi Army’s loyalty to him that worries Commander David Petraeus. And while al Sadr directed the group to retreat during the security sweep, some assume it is simply waiting out the troop surge.

The big picture
The United Nations says some 2 million people have fled the violence in Iraq since 2003, which still challenges any semblance of normal life in Iraq. What's the solution? Democrats say they will call for complete U.S. troop removal by September 2008, and President Bush says he will veto their plan. The U.S. Commander says it will take more than a military solution. Anyone, anyone?