Reply #3: perhaps

[gottaB]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4061087,00.html

"The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said U.S. officials have stepped back from their previous demands of capturing or killing al-Sadr. Now, the Americans will accept his surrender for trial and the disarming of his al-Mahdi Army, which can be converted into a political or social organization."

True, there was bloodshed and destruction today, but if this anonymous source is speaking truthfully, then the agreement is probably in effect. That looks like a path of least resistence to me.

BTW, I found that article by searching for the word "Seyed." A significant change in tone by Bremer.