Newspaper: Dick Cheney gave the orders for Basra campaign

For Al-Arab newspaper sources tell about Dick Cheney gave the green light to start Basra campaign against Mahdi Army in his visit to Baghdad, and the goal is to give the Iraqi forces more confidence in itself to carry on the security responsibilities in the south of Iraq.

American commander of South-Iraq discussed with high rank marines officers; how to involve southern Iraq militias such as Mahdi Army, Ali bin Abi Talib Brigades and Al-Taf Brigades in a final battle.