Anonymous Iraqi source told Elaph today that the Americans are studying a plan to split Basra into two provinces, reducing the activities of the religious parties and militias who are cooperating with the Iranians.
The new province to include the districts [al-Zubair, Abu al-Khasib, Fao, Safwan and other towns] (these are Sunnis areas), the name of the new province expected to be al-Zubair.
The source said that the idea behind this plan is an attempt to alleviate the pressures on the Iraqi authorities and the American forces after the withdrawal of British troops.
With this split the Americans can observe the Iranian influence in Basra, control the oil smuggling and combat financial and administrative corruption.
He added that Al-Maliki didn’t approve this plan yet because of the sectarian sensitivities and the Iranian rejection.