Muqtada al-Sadr in Retreat
There’s a very interesting and significant development taking place in Iraq: radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ‘intends to disarm his once-dominant Mahdi Army militia and remake it as a social-services organization.’
Al-Sadr runs one of the most violent and effective terrorist organizations in Iraq. His men have killed many American troops and Sunnis (it’s a Shi’ite organization). He is one of the men most responsible for the chaos that nearly destroyed Iraq for years.
His intention to turn his militia into a ’social-services organization’ would have a significant impact. Of course it has to be kept in mind that he may only be willing to change it into such an organization because he thinks it will help him goals in the long run, for instance by creating a larger base of support (consisting out of those supported by his new organization).
But still; as long as his organization does not kill anyone, and instead tries to rebuild the country, less people die, and the future of Iraq seems more bright.
One of the main reasons for al-Sadr’s change is plans is that he has lost considerable support among Iraqi Shi’ites. They were once seen as champions of the poor. Nowadays, however, they are considered to be ordinary thugs. Additionally it has to be noted that the Iraqi military has declared war on militias like al-Sadr’s weeks even months ago, and that the regular army seems to be winning this war. Al-Sadr’s and other militias have been weakened considerably.
According to sources, the new approach will be announced this Friday during the prayers (in the mosque).
Best news I’ve heard in the past few weeks. Not terribly surprising given his previous decision to focus on political gains, but good none the less. The question is, will he be willing to worth with Americans to provide those services. That might make it the best news of the year.