After al-Qaeda, Sahwa Impose New Rules

"It is has been known than the Sahwa (Awakening) militia has prevailed in defeating al-Qaeda in many areas in Iraq, especially in the restive provinces like Anbar. But with the power these fighters, who once were part of the insurgency, people’s regular lives have not dramatically changed. They are now subjected to fanatic power after the other extreme fanatic power represented by al-Qaeda has been defeated.

In a heart-wrenching article, Newsweek reporters Silvia Spring and Larry Kaplow reported on how these fighters are ordering people, especially women, to adhere to their strict version of Islamic rules. Even though these rules are considered moderate compared to those of al-Qaeda’s, one cannot but notice the obvious government absence of protecting people from extreme forces."
Treasure of Baghdad