This reminds me of the Cripps and the Bloods in LA.

It seems that the Iraqi insurgents are fighting and killing foreign al Qaida terrorists. It seems like a Mafia war or a street gang battle.

"It is true that al-Qa'ida has become unwelcome in the city," a leading Ramadi sheik and relative of Miklif said. "But it won't be an easy task to throw them out. They are well-armed and funded. Five more of Sheik Miklif's aides have been killed since his death. Between five and 10 people from both sides die each day."

Al-Qa'ida cells loyal to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, their Jordanian leader, once had considerable support in Ramadi. US intelligence officers say that Zarqawi even picked his bodyguards from the city.

At the start of the insurgency, when Iraqi fighters were disorganised, al-Qa'ida's help in attacking coalition forces was welcomed. Yet, as the insurgency has progressed, the aims of the sides have diverged.

Al-Qa'ida still insists that it is justifiable to kill any Iraqi linked to the Government, including local Sunni policemen, an ideology increasingly rejected by local residents who want a stronger Sunni representation in the security forces.

Well, as long as they aren't shooting at us.