Success!

Sweet, sweet success! Yes, that's what Al-Maliki is proud to announce today, after he had his ass handed to him by the Sadrists who only called off a complete revolution at the urging of Iran.

Al-Maliki said he had decided to implement a seven-point programme in Basra following "the stability and success of the security plan which achieved the aim of imposing law in the city and restoring normalcy".

The new plan includes (without noting any irony or contradictions whatsoever) boosting security forces in Basra by recruiting 10,000 new troops, restoring services, imposing a strict check on vehicles without licences, building new houses for the poor and turning government-owned palaces into tourist destinations.

God willing, of course.