The buzz about a possible major build up in Iraq is probably a bit premature. But that news coupled with news of the Saudis offering support for Iraq's Sunnis in the event of a US pull out sends a strong message to mssgrs Maliki and al-Sadr.
Like it or not, al-Sadr is now a part of the Iraqi government. I wouldn't be looking for anyone to point a gun at him any time soon. If there's a shift and we go after his militia, then he'll have to make a choice. And I imagine he would attempt to play the situation for all it's worth - retaining just enough distance to allow him to carry on politically, even if his militia is routed.
Right now, I see all this talk as more about sending signals to influence political developments in Iraq, more than anything else. As I posted here, the first step on the road out of there is an Iraqi political solution. Apart or together, Maliki and al-Sadr have to decide if they are for a peaceful Iraq, or not.
If the politics that play out set the groundwork for ridding Iraq of al-Sadr's militia, with Sadr or without him - great. But it could also trigger an even broader civil war. Al-Sadr could decide he wants to fight.
Interesting times.
Right. We should definately back SCIRI, Badr-Bragades, and al-Dawa in their quest to create a Fundamentalist Iranian-pupper state. Yes, that's much more preferable than Sadr and the tribal chieftains creating a Fundamentalist Islamist state not aligned with Iran. I like the choices.
Posted by: Sgt.York | Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 09:42 PM