The Iraqi Army and police are in control of Basra, after a major operation that initially saw the Iraqi security forces at a disadvantage.
Because of a cease-fire put in place by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, the Mehdi Army laid down its weapons; that has allowed for a measure of calm to return to Basra.
But the southern oil city is essentially living under martial law. And many of its citizens wonder how long the army will stay to enforce the rule of law — and how long they want them there.
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