Sadr city Blockade, to protect or to punish

"Yesterday was my turn to do the violence duty but I was called early morning by our office manager. He told me to go to Sadr city to do some work. I had no choice but to accept the mission. So, I went to Sadr city although I know I would face difficulties because the American and the Iraqi forces are blocking the area. I thought that things didn't change since I had been there less than one week ago. When I went last time with my boss and my colleague, we walked for less than ten minutes and we took a taxi to inside Sadr city. At that day, I saw hundreds of people including old men, women and children walking to reach the temporary bus station which was created by the bus drivers. The drivers were calling loudly with the names of the areas they go to. That was one week ago but when I went there yesterday, the situation was completely different. When I passed the small bridge towards the new bus station, I noticed that I couldn't hear the shouting of the drovers. I kept walking for about five minutes and I reached the area I couldn't find the buses. I asked a young man and he told me that they were ordered by the American and the Iraqi forces not to stop in the place and more. I saw few American military vehicles. The street was empty. The Youngman told me "if you plan to walk, go through the bystreets because the American snipers may shoot you". I thanked him and I decided to go back to the office."
Inside Iraq