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Hopefully just a Foggy Bottom humor check
US closes in on deal with Iraqi clericHopefully the striped pants guys are just being polite in listening to this drivel. Despite battles in two cities Monday, officials say talks are under way to turn Moqtada al-Sadrâs army into a political group If the deal pans out, it could bring to an end the seven-week conflict. The hope is that by engaging Sadr politically, the coalition can neutralize him militarily. His militia might also eventually be integrated into the Iraqi national security forces.Sure, thatâd work. As early as Tuesday, two representatives from Sadrâs office will meet with two representatives of Paul Bremer, the US administrator in Iraq, says Adnan Ali, the head of the political bureau of the Dawa Party. "If everything goes smoothly there will be an announcement between the two rivals within 24 hours," says Mr. Ali, who is also an aide of Governing Council member, Ibrahim al-Jaffari. Dr. Jaffari is one of the Governing Council members involved in the negotiations who also aspires to be part of the interim government after June 30. Sadr waited too long. Itâs not good to try dictate terms when youâre losing across the board The four-point agreement, which has already been agreed to by Sadr, according to Ali, calls for the Mahdi Army to become an unarmed political movement and requires the Mahdi Army to return all government property - such as police cars, buildings, and guns - to the state. Coalition forces agree to pull out of the holy cities immediately. The possible accord also obligates Sadr to be tried by an Iraqi court if he is asked to do so after the transfer of authority June 30th Iranian wishful thinking. Posted by: RWV 2004-05-25 |
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