Sadr Orders Loyalists to Stop Fighting

In a 9 point statement by Moqtada al-Sadr agreed to by the Iraqi government, Sadr ordered his fighters to stop fighting in Basra and throughout Iraq and to cooperate with Iraqi government and military forces. The statement by Sadr read in part:

“We want the Iraqi people to stop this bloodshed and maintain Iraq’s independence and stability. For that we have decided to withdraw [al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army] from the streets of Basra and all other provinces.” 

“We announce our disavowal from anyone who carries weapons and targets government institutions, charities and political party offices.”

Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators in Iraq marched over the weekend in support of the Iraqi government’s military operations in Basra.  Iraq’s growing democracy continues to strengthen through opinions and negotiations from citizens and leaders alike. 

A recent ABC poll of Iraqis showed that 70% trust religious leaders more than any other group, followed by the Iraqi Police, the Iraqi Army and their local leaders.  The significance of Sadr’s role in Iraq for peace cannot be overstated. MSG Proctor, active duty soldier, subject matter expert in Religious Leader Engagement and author of the Army Leader’s Guide to Shiaism (pg. 7 of the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned) says:

Moqtada al Sadr is one of the most misunderstood figures in the Iraq war.

Far from being a terrorist or even a jihadist, Sadr is a very serious Hojat al Islam (advanced student of Islam) with a most sincere approach to his religious faith. Sadr’s Uncle was assassinated by Saddam in 1981 and Sadr’s father, the Ayatollah Sadiq al Sadr was one of the most courageous clerics in Iraq who stood up to Saddam and was executed in 1999. Two of Moqtada’s brothers were also murdered by Saddam’s brutal and often godless regime.

Sadr, or how he is referred to by General Petraeus, Sayid Moqtada al Sadr (an honorific title acknowledging his descent from the Prophet Mohammed’s family), has abandoned military operations (in all but the most necessary situations of self defense for his Shiite followers) in favor of theology. His says he now wants to fight with doctrine and scholarship. Sadr is studying in the Najaf Hawza (the massive Shiite seminary complex) to become an Ayatollah, a process that takes many years and intense scholarship efforts.

In the end, the MSM (main stream media) coverage that was picking up in Iraq due to the clashes will now die down as things in Iraq continue to progress as the 1/2 way point is reached in this counterinsurgency effort.  This Week at War will not be making a comeback.

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Comments

[Christopher]

I read your comments on Moqtada al Sadr at gatewaypundit.blogspot and was educated about the man, I've seen him in the news over the past months and haven't seen him portrayed as such a important factor to the future of Iraq. I admit that I don't know much more then what I've read about him, but maybe he can become a ally if given the chance. I'll look into more about him and try to study about the politics of Iraq more, I think it will be a good idea for me to do so.

[Amy Proctor]

Christopher, every aspect of Iraq from the religion to democracy is incredibly complex. There is so much to understand and I don't know nearly as much as my husband, although I do know more than most politicians. The thread where my hubby posted his comments about al-Sadr is HERE.

[Goat]

I don't think Sadr has near as much influence as he thinks he does or our MSM gives him credit for. Most of these are just criminal gangs using his name and need to be eliminated in order to restore order. I saw you comment at Hot air and at Jim's and understand what Johnny is saying about not demeaning religious leaders but many Iraqis see Mookie as a stooge of Iran and a warlord not a religious leader with little control over his gangs.
Christopher, head over to The Long War Journal and search Bill Ardolino or the InDC Jornal for a five part series "Inside Iraqi Politics"
http://www.indcjournal.com/

[robert verdi]

well, Iraqi federal troops did not win a complete victory, but they did fight Sadr across Iraq and managed to force a ceae fire. I would point out Sadr ordered the cease fire before the government actualy carried out any of his demands. Throughout this whole battle the Coalition merely supported the Iraqi army units. In the first two uprisings it was the coalition that did all the fighting with limited Iraqi support. It has taken time, but the Iraqi government has turned into a significant force for its own country. Is it strong enough yet? No but it is getting there.