I generally agree with Fatman. Seems to me everyone is waiting in the wings, keeping a low profile and nursing their wounds til they see an opportunity to start up again. It's their territory and they'll gave infinite patience. Meanwhile, Maliki tries to take out militias of rival Shiite leaders and the Sunni leaders cooperate with the US and join the hunt against their erstwhile Al Qaeda buddies (who knows how many play both sides). All a waiting game. Sadly, like the British found out a few generations ago, these fuckers don't have the good taste of staying bought. They will play with whatever side feels strongest - Al Qaeda, government, Iran, US.