This from an Iraqi newspaper.
"The Mahdi Army militias are heavily armed and wield much power in Baghdad particularly in Shiite-dominated quarters.
Its leader, Moqtada al-Sadr, aware of U.S. determination to curtail the power of his militias, is said to have
ordered his men not hide their weapons and refrain from fighting once the Americans launch their campaign in earnest.
His power base is centered in the sprawling Sadr City, a Shiite township of more than two million people.
Mahdi Army commanders were reported to have held a meeting recently to outline their strategy to counter the U.S. military campaign.
The commanders had orders not to resist U.S. troops as part of their own strategy to preserve their weapons and power in preparation for the post-U.S. era in Iraq.
Moqtada, who is Mahdi Army’s chief commander, is reported to have instructed the militias to behave in a manner that will not lead to the loss of “even a single Mahdi Army member.”
Moqtada, analysts say, is keen to remain a force to reckon with following the withdrawal of U.S. troops which he believes cold take place at the end of the year."
http://www.azzaman.com/english/index...01-15\kurd.htm
Gee---I wonder where Mogtada is getting the impression we might be leaving? From the libs in our own country?