The regime has responded to the decline of its regular forces by creating a variety of irregular forces (shabbiha militias, Popular Committees, local militias, the Baath Party Militia) and then merging them under the so-called National Defense Forces.
The urine is normally sterile. An infection occurs when bacteria get into the urine and begin to grow. The infection usually starts at the opening of the urethra where the urine leaves the body and moves upward into the urinary tract. 1  The culprit in at least 90% of uncomplicated infections is a type of bacteria called Escherichia coli, better know as E. coli.
A urinary tract infection may be caused by one or more of the following conditions: 1  A new sex partner or multiple partners. 2  More frequent intercourse. 3  A history of diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, stroke, kidney stones or any problem that causes the bladder not to empty completely.  Pregnancy increases your risk for developing a UTI.