 Secretary Gates was asked at a Pentagon news conference if he considers Moqtada al-Sadr to be an enemy of the United States. Gates said those who are prepared to work within the political process in Iraq are not enemies of the United States.
| Notice he didn't actually answer the question about the Marquis de Sadr? |
When asked about the prospects of arresting Sadr if he returns to Iraq, Gates said he would be surprised if that happened.
| That response could apply to either piece of that sentence: I'd be surprised if Tater was arrested, too. I'd also be surprised if he returns to Iraq, certainly not while the festivities are in progress. He's not real long on physical bravery. |
| Someone has to stay behind and rouse the rabble ... |
"He is a significant political figure. And clearly if he is willing to work within ... we want him to work within the political process in Iraq. He has a large following," he said.
| "It's up to the Iraqis to arrest him." |
Secretary Gates said it is important that the cleric become a part of the political process if he is not already.
| "Otherwise, he's either gonna become a resident of Teheran or he's gonna become a deader." |
Sadr is believed to be safely in Iran, while elements of his Mahdi Army continue to fight Iraqi government troops supported by U.S. forces. He has not been since in public since May of last year. |