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Iraqi troops seem better able to counter Iranian forces in eastern Iraq. Al Kut in Wasit province is an area of conflict and the Iraqis appear to be holding their own. Al Kut served as a strategic distribution hub for weapons smuggled into Iraq where they were employed against Iraqi and Coalition forces as well against Iraqi politicians. The Iraqi Army stood up to the Iranian-backed Mahdi Army from Al Kut during operations during the summer of 2008 while the U.S. troops were clearly out Sadr City and other places.