Iraqi Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr Suspends Mahdi Army Activities (sounds like a retreat)

gixaholic · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 09:57 AM

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294990,00.html

BAGHDAD — Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered a six-month suspension of activities by his Mahdi Army militia in order to reorganize the force, and it will no longer attack U.S. and coalition troops, aides said Wednesday.

The aide, Sheik Hazim al-Araji, said on Iraqi state television that the goal was to "rehabilitate" the organization, which has reportedly broken into factions, some of which the U.S. maintains are trained and supplied by Iran.

"We declare the freezing of the Mahdi Army without exception in order to rehabilitate it in a way that will safeguard its ideological image within a maximum period of six months starting from the day this statement is issued," al-Araji said, reading from a statement by al-Sadr.

In Najaf, al-Sadr's spokesman said the order also means the Mahdi Army will no longer launch attacks against U.S. and other coalition forces.

"It also includes suspending the taking up of arms against occupiers as well as others," Ahmed al-Shaibani told reporters.

Asked if Mahdi militiamen would defend themselves against provocations, he replied: "We will deal with it when it happens."....

Flyhigher · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixaholic

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294990,00.html

BAGHDAD — Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered a six-month suspension of activities by his Mahdi Army militia in order to reorganize the force, and it will no longer attack U.S. and coalition troops, aides said Wednesday.

The aide, Sheik Hazim al-Araji, said on Iraqi state television that the goal was to "rehabilitate" the organization, which has reportedly broken into factions, some of which the U.S. maintains are trained and supplied by Iran.

"We declare the freezing of the Mahdi Army without exception in order to rehabilitate it in a way that will safeguard its ideological image within a maximum period of six months starting from the day this statement is issued," al-Araji said, reading from a statement by al-Sadr.

In Najaf, al-Sadr's spokesman said the order also means the Mahdi Army will no longer launch attacks against U.S. and other coalition forces.

"It also includes suspending the taking up of arms against occupiers as well as others," Ahmed al-Shaibani told reporters.

Asked if Mahdi militiamen would defend themselves against provocations, he replied: "We will deal with it when it happens."....

Not a retreat, Iran will manage the insurgency while al Sadr regroups--take a vacation, Hawaii I think...

Sam · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 07:42 PM

I think their is something much more complex behind this 6 month retreat. al Sadr has raised his power level in Iraq by being a hero to poor Shi ite Iraqis. He has the family lineage to become the PM of Iraq. Petreaus has even mentioned his name several times in the light as being part of the poltical solution in Iraq. If al Sadr contines to shine his image among Iraqis and team up with the American forces we are on our way to a new era of poltical landscape in Iraq IMO. It may or may not be a victory in the sense you are looking at Gix. I do not know ,but read betwen the lines in what Petreaus has said and Maliki's sudden turn on al Sadr. Political winds may be shifting in Iraq and you may be looking at Iraqs next leader that is backed by the U.S. I may be completely offbase with this thought however there was something in Petreaus last interview when he spoke more positively on al Sadr that caught my attention. This retreat may be part of it all.

noneof yourbusiness · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

I think their is something much more complex behind this 6 month retreat. al Sadr has raised his power level in Iraq by being a hero to poor Shi ite Iraqis. He has the family lineage to become the PM of Iraq. Petreaus has even mentioned his name several times in the light as being part of the poltical solution in Iraq. If al Sadr contines to shine his image among Iraqis and team up with the American forces we are on our way to a new era of poltical landscape in Iraq IMO. It may or may not be a victory in the sense you are looking at Gix. I do not know ,but read betwen the lines in what Petreaus has said and Maliki's sudden turn on al Sadr. Political winds may be shifting in Iraq and you may be looking at Iraqs next leader that is backed by the U.S. I may be completely offbase with this thought however there was something in Petreaus last interview when he spoke more positively on al Sadr that caught my attention. This retreat may be part of it all.

I dont think this has been the first time they have mentioned this. But as I stated before, Anybody that is endorsed by the Americans will become Poison. He wont last long if casts his lot in the US.

Flyhigher · #5 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

I think their is something much more complex behind this 6 month retreat. al Sadr has raised his power level in Iraq by being a hero to poor Shi ite Iraqis. He has the family lineage to become the PM of Iraq. Petreaus has even mentioned his name several times in the light as being part of the poltical solution in Iraq. If al Sadr contines to shine his image among Iraqis and team up with the American forces we are on our way to a new era of poltical landscape in Iraq IMO. It may or may not be a victory in the sense you are looking at Gix. I do not know ,but read betwen the lines in what Petreaus has said and Maliki's sudden turn on al Sadr. Political winds may be shifting in Iraq and you may be looking at Iraqs next leader that is backed by the U.S. I may be completely offbase with this thought however there was something in Petreaus last interview when he spoke more positively on al Sadr that caught my attention. This retreat may be part of it all.

I don't think so, Sam, al Sadr has American blood on his hands, and we thought Saddam was bad, this guy will make Saddam look like Barbie's new Ken...