Saturday, June 5, 2004
A big one. It really does appear now that alSadr is done. His forces are pulling out of the two holy cities, and inside reports are that he's demoralized as he's become politically isolated and his "Mahdi Army has suffered big losses." Truly good news as Iraq begins the path to self-government.
The New York Times: Fighters Loyal to Radical Cleric Start Pullout From 2 Iraq Cities
At the same time, Mr. Sadr met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's most revered Shiite cleric, according to widespread reports. The meeting suggested that Mr. Sadr was being given a face-saving gesture by appearing with Ayatollah Sistani, whose prestige across Iraq far exceeds that of Mr. Sadr.
Shiite leaders and American officials said the armed followers of Mr. Sadr, known as the Mahdi Army, had cleared out of many parts of Najaf, and seemed to be getting ready to leave altogether. The Shiite leaders said American forces, who encircled the city in recent weeks, had also cleared out of the city center and areas near the Imam Ali Shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam.
The withdrawal, coupled with the reported meeting of the rival clerics, gave rise to hopes that Mr. Sadr's two-month-long rebellion may be ending...
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