Iraq War News Updates -- March 30, 2009

A US soldier walks past Iraqi police commandos during a raid in Baghdad. Photo AFP

In Iraq, 2 Key U.S. Allies Face Off -- Washington Post

Government Riles Sunni Awakening With Leader's Arrest.

BAGHDAD, March 29 -- A new and potentially worrisome fight for power and control has broken out in Baghdad as the United States prepares to pull combat troops out of Iraq next year.

The struggle, which played out in fierce weekend clashes, pits two vital American allies against each other. On Sunday, Iraqi soldiers backed by U.S. combat helicopters and American troops swept into a central Baghdad neighborhood, arresting U.S.-backed Sunni fighters in an effort to clamp down on a two-day uprising that challenged the Iraqi government's authority and its efforts to pacify the capital.

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More News On Iraq

Iraq army begins pullout from Baghdad flashpoint -- AFP
Guns Go Silent After 24-Hour Face-Off in Baghdad, but Tensions Remain High -- New York Times
Sons of Iraq Movement Suffers Another Blow -- Los Angeles Times
US-backed Iraqi troops quell Baghdad uprising - -AP
Iraqi, US Forces Order Sunni Volunteers to Disarm -- Voice of America
US-allied Sunnis Alarmed at Baghdad Crackdown -- Associated Press
Tension high after Baghdad arrest -- BBC
Iraqi forces in shootout with Sunni patrolmen -- The Independent
FACTBOX-Security developments in Iraq, March 30 -- Reuters
Iraq Hopes Grow on Split in Sadr Body -- Wall Street Journal
The End of Britain's Military Role in Iraq -- The Times
British forces to start Iraq pullout -- AFP
Iraq bids British forces goodbye at farewell feast -- Reuters
General Sir Richard Dannatt Says MoD took Eye Off Iraq as Afghan Instability Grew -- The Times
Obama: won't speed up Iraq pull out -- AP
US won't speed up troop withdrawals from Iraq -- AFP
Rebel Kurds slam Iraq's Talabani -- APF
US sergeant convicted of executing Iraqi prisoners -- AFP
US soldier pleads guilty to murdering bound Iraqi prisoner -- Times Online
US soldier guilty in killing of 4 Iraqis in 2007 -- AP
No More Queues for Baghdad Petrol -- The Times
Iraqis Snap Up Hummers as Icons of Power -- New York Times