Iraq troops relax in cleric Sadr's former bastion

[Robbien]

Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, May 23 (Reuters) - Iraqi soldiers let their guard down after taking over the Baghdad stronghold of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. They drove through the area with a Lebanese song drowning out the voice of their commander over the radio.

But residents of Sadr City slum interviewed by Reuters on Friday were not so relaxed.They doubt a truce between Iraqi troops and Sadr's Mehdi Army fighters will bring stability to the area anytime soon, and what they need most of all is basic services and someone to remove piles of stinking garbage just outside their doorsteps.

. . .

Sadr City was quiet on Friday, partly because it was the Muslim holy day, but mostly due to the fact that residents are still coming to terms with the destruction.

Long rows of half-demolished apartment buildings, with gaping holes in the cement walls of what were once living rooms, were testament to the recent heavy fighting involving U.S. airstrikes and tank fire. Scores of shops have been burned down. People are wondering how they can rebuild their lives, not which side to support.

Asked whether he backed the Mehdi Army or Iraqi troops, a resident who gave his name only as Ibrahim said: "That's not the kind of question we answer on the street. What we want is sewage, electricity and services. Water pipes need to be fixed."

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSL23859059