The Insurgency...

The Sunni insurgency in Iraq continues to be weakened compared to its peak in 2006. Although presently experiencing diminished capabilities given the lack of a permissive operating environment, al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI), led by Abu Ayyub al-Masri, is the largest and most capable terrorist group in Iraq and continues to pose a threat to Iraqi and Coalition forces. Increased Iraqi and Coalition force operations against Sunni terrorist groups, combined with Sunni reconciliation efforts have created an increasingly difficult operating environment for terrorists and insurgents. This, combined with leadership losses, including the October 5, 2008 death of AQI deputy Abu Qaswarah, and dwindling Sunni support, have forced AQI to focus on survivability in Iraq rather than the group’s long-term strategic objectives of establishing an Islamic state in Iraq.

Many former insurgent leaders have been neutralized or are now participating in dialogue with representatives of the Government of Iraq (GoI) and joining the political process. Sunni resistance groups have greatly reduced operations in the past year, as many members joined Sons of Iraq (SoI) or Sawaha formations or decided to participate in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs.

Some Shi’a insurgent groups such as Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) have conducted anti-Coalition and anti-Iraqi (primarily anti- Sunni) attacks; however, these attacks are not seeking the failure of the Iraqi government; rather, they seek to expedite the withdrawal of foreign military forces from the country. As security improves and the Iraqi Security Forces mature, a few Shi’a extremist groups are now attempting to engage the Government of Iraq in the reconciliation process.

Though weakened, both Sunni and Shi’a extremist groups are still capable of conducting attacks. Due to its capability to conduct large-scale high-profile attacks, however, AQI remains a viable threat to Iraqi and Coalition interests in Iraq.

Other Iraqi terrorist groups are active in addition to AQI, notably Ansar al-Sunna, which operates primarily in Kurdish-dominated northern Iraq.

excerpt from: http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=729&Itemid=45 dated August 2009

For interesting stuff:

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6804.htm

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/maps-demo.htm