al-Sadr Allies Leave Iraqi Government

Muqtada al-Sadr

Hey All-
Some more bad news from Iraq today. Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered Iraqi lawmakers loyal to him to leave the Iraqi government. The six lawmakers have resigned in response to Iraqi leader Nouri al-Maliki's refusal to push for a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. There is also speculation that al-Sadr's Mahdi Army insurgents could return to the streets. The Mahdi Army has not challenged coalition forces since August of 2006, but recent events may change this.

My feelings on a timetable are no secret, as you can see in my other posts. If the Mahdi Army wants to pick a fight, I believe that it will only justify our staying longer in Iraq. It seems counterproductive for both sides, really.