The Mahdis are dismarmed: what is the coalition waiting for?

Cleric's militia lay down arms but remain in shrine


By ABDUL HUSSEIN AL-OBEIDI
With a report from Reuters News Agency
Saturday, August 21, 2004 - Page A1

NAJAF, IRAQ -- Rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militiamen removed their guns from the Imam Ali shrine yesterday after a surprising offer to give up control of the holy site to Shia religious leaders, but negotiations over when the militants would leave the compound continued into the night.

The militants' pledge to hand over the shrine was seen as a major step toward resolving two weeks of heavy fighting with a joint U.S. task force in Najaf that has killed dozens and wounded hundreds more.

A peaceful pullout mediated by religious authorities would be a political victory for Iraq's interim government and Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. Since taking over from the U.S. occupation on June 28, he has struggled with numerous uprisings threatening to undermine his government.

A day earlier, Mr. al-Sadr's militants had rejected a government ultimatum to withdraw from the shrine or face assault. Mr. Allawi backed away from that threat after yesterday's offer from Mr. al-Sadr. Iraq's national security adviser reiterated that the government would like Mr. al-Sadr to join the political process.

Sporadic explosions and gunfire were heard yesterday in the streets of Najaf, but they were far fewer and less intense than in previous days.

If ever there was a time for the ole' "we promise we won't shoot you...honest..just come on out" routine, its now. Similarly, it might be time to set aside the old moratorium on summary executions. Just kidding. Sorta.