Al-Sadr Looks to Lie Low, Outlast U.S.(AP)

[Eugene]

Al-Sadr Looks to Lie Low, Outlast U.S.

By HAMZA HENDAWI
The Associated Press
Saturday, February 10, 2007; 2:44 PM

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Their rhetoric is still stridently anti-American, but Mahdi Army
militiamen are tucking away their weapons and blending into civilian life. Their
leaders are keeping out of sight.

In the streets of Sadr City, the strategy of Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shiite militia
leader, is clear: Lie low, avoid a showdown and hope to emerge even stronger
after the Americans leave.

-snip-

Residents of Sadr City, a sprawling district of some 2 million Shiites in eastern
Baghdad, say militiamen opting to remain in the area have moved in with relatives
and friends to avoid arrest.

-snip-

Mahdi Army militiamen dressed in civilian clothes were out in force, with hundreds
searching cars and frisking worshippers headed to the prayers. None openly carried
weapons. At checkpoints into the entrance of Sadr City, militiamen in track suits
and running shoes stood shoulder to shoulder with police commandos.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/10/AR2007021000816.html

[bemildred]

1. WaPo just looks to lie. nt