Does al-Sadr have a plan up his sleeve?

[kentuck]

Or hidden under his turban? It was reported on MSNBC this morning that he said he would agree with the new government, if the Americans would withdraw?? Of course, this was reported right after the story about one of the new "ministers" being killed this morning. I guess he could say he was for the "new" government, then kill all the leaders of the new government, then they would really have a "new" government?? What's up?

[Mikimouse]

1. I think that at this point, many would profess to go along...

with the American puupets and their masters, only to thumb their noses once the military ether leaves or is too weakened to put down any resistance. At this juncture, it seems pointless to argue with heavily armed troops, tanks, and aircraft. Just wait until the real pullouts are requested by the Iraqi regime, then we'll probably see the fur fly.

[jfxgillis]

2. Laugh. Of COURSE he does!!!

The only main actor in the Iraq drama who doesn't have a plan up his sleeve is the Simpleton-in-Chief.

[rucky]

3. He seems straightforward about what he wants

he was quoted as saying (paraphrased) = whatever it takes to get the Americans out...

[Aidoneus]

4. I think so..

He also does a fair amount of winging it. That makes for some interesting contrasts as a couple weeks go by..

I've noticed almost unanimously the neutered herd media getting his recent statement terribly wrong. What he did offer was Sadrists' support to the "Interim Government" if it would turn on its masters and work to end the influence and presence of the occupyers. I think he knows this won't be done, as many of the leading figures in the puppet regime have tied their fates to their being down on their knees before the invaders. All the same, it looks good that he is reaching out even if it is refused. The reference he made to the Kurds is interesting, as he's so far opposed their federalism proposals and backs his Turkmen allies on the issue of Kirkuk.

This is an interesting move on his part, and symbolizes a whole new positive stage in his political development. Here he approaches the quisling puppet council not only as an equal, but half looking down his nose at them and half showing a new confidence in reaching out as a potential friend at the same time if they'll listen to reason and do the right thing. He's done that first part for months, but now he is sure of the ground beneath his feet and can afford to reach his hand out in a gesture he knows will probably be rudely spit back at him by the more prominent members. Much of the very reason he opposes the quisling "governing council" is that they're unelected puppets, appointed and supported only by the tanks and guns of the occupyers with no real interest in Iraqis' welfare (indeed, the new Prime Minister was apparently the leader of a CIA-backed terrorist organization responsible for blowing up a movie theatre and school bus, among other things), and that works to bind the fates of the IGC members even in the case of ideological opposition (the al-Daawa party, for example, fielded the first suicide bombers in martyr operations against American & Zionist forces in the region, but Jaafari still serves under them!).

I'm not sure if he saw the results of the poll I'll reference, but he must take comfort in knowing that he was the 2nd most popular politician in the nation--more than any member of the puppet council he is now reaching out to--, even before the widespread popular resistance in the south ramped up.

I don't think it's the Sadrists that are knocking off the puppets. That was going on while Sadr was still organizing street protests and public services offices, long before the armed stage of their resistance ramped up. I would say that other factions of the resistance are responsible for these acts, factions not open to conciliation as Sadr may be at the moment.

My apologies for the unorganized & perhaps sometimes long-winded/run-on post.. I do that sometimes when I have a limited time--have much to say & cram into a reply, but not much an eye given towards condensing/expanding on certain points..

[kentuck]

5. Good post !

Thanks Aidoneus..