Awakening resistance
Updated on 19 March 2008
Sunni militias form a critical part of America's plans to maintain security in Iraq, with President Bush using them as an example of Arabs helping to drive al-Qaida out of their neighbourhoods.
Around 80,000 militiamen across Iraq are involved with Sunni armed groups, known as 'awakening councils'.
But even as Mr Bush boasted of their success, there are signs that the militias are on the verge of withdrawing their support.
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