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1.2 Differentiating Iraq’s militias and armed groups
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Militias and armed groups operating in Iraq can be classified by ethno-sectarian makeup, membership size, association with political parties,
areas of operation, opponents, level of support for the Iraqi government and/or the United States’ military presence in Iraq, and operational
support from either the United States or Iran.
Al Qaeda in Iraq: down and shifting around, but not out
“Al Qaeda is a menace to society.”
Student, 23
Baghdad, May 2008
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Although Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) is suffering from sustained attacks to its leadership and
diminishing appeal amongst local Sunni communities, and could not, in its present
condition, overthrow the national government in Iraq and seize control of the state, time
and again, AQI has demonstrated its capacity to adapt.
As well as attacking Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces, AQI is now focusing on counter-
“collaboration” operations. Suicide bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations against
provincial officials and Awakening and Concerned Local Citizens leaders have become key
AQI activities.