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Mahdi Army to become Iraq “social services” organization
Flopping Aces ^ | 08-06-08 | Mataharley

Posted on 08/06/2008 3:03:41 PM PDT by Starman417

Per a news release from yesterday, Muqtada al-Sadr plans to disarm the Mahdi militia, and change it to a social services organization that focuses on education, religion and social justice... all without weaponry.

Recently, however, the group has been hit by a largely successful Iraqi military crackdown against militia members operating as criminal gangs. At the same time, Mr. Sadr's popular support is dwindling: Residents who once viewed the Mahdi Army as champions of the poor became alienated by what they saw as its thuggish behavior.

A new brochure, obtained by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by Mr. Sadr's chief spokesman, Sheik Salah al-Obeidi, states that the Mahdi Army will now be guided by Shiite spirituality instead of anti-American militancy. The group will focus on education, religion and social justice, according to the brochure, which is aimed at Mr. Sadr's followers. The brochure also states that it "is not allowed to use arms at all."

Posters have been put up in some areas of Baghdad saying a new direction for the Mahdi Army will be announced at this Friday's prayers.

Whatever Sadr's personal intent, it's unlikely that the rogue elements contined within the Mahdi militias will comply. Sadr's been frustrated that not all follow his orders to lay down arms, and ignore the cease file he signed with the Iraqi govt in May. The differences have caused internal strike, with assassinations being carried out on other Mahdi members who support the cease fire.

For Sadr personally, it's a way back to credibility.

(Excerpt) Read more at Flopping Aces ...


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: iraq; islam; mahdi; mahdiarmy; mohammedanism; sadr

1 posted on 08/06/2008 3:03:41 PM PDT by Starman417
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To: Starman417

sounds like the shia version of acorn,

or obama in chicago.


2 posted on 08/06/2008 3:05:19 PM PDT by ken21 (people die and you never hear from them again.)
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To: Starman417

The Mahdi army should become a smoking crater instead.


3 posted on 08/06/2008 3:06:54 PM PDT by jimbobaby
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To: Starman417
This is too too funny. But moronic diplomats will take it seriously.
4 posted on 08/06/2008 3:08:26 PM PDT by isrul (Help make every day, "Disrespect a muzzie day.")
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To: Starman417

Mahdi’s army is turning into democrats. BWAHAHAHA! Like the dems, they just want to get their hands on the money and the power.


5 posted on 08/06/2008 3:10:56 PM PDT by hsalaw
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To: Starman417

After a few weeks or months, they’ll return to murdering and terrorizing, hoping they’ll have support from the people again for all the good deeds they had done. Kill them all now while they’re on the ropes.


6 posted on 08/06/2008 3:11:13 PM PDT by norcal joe
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To: Starman417

Yeah. Riiiiiight!


7 posted on 08/06/2008 3:12:35 PM PDT by Dr. Bogus Pachysandra ("Don't touch that thing")
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To: Starman417

Where have we heard of this sort of group before?

Oh, yes. In Lebanon. Their name is Hezbollah. Thank God they’re so honorable.


8 posted on 08/06/2008 3:14:50 PM PDT by Tex Pete (Obama for Change: from our pockets, our piggy banks, and our couch cushions!)
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To: norcal joe
After a few weeks or months, they’ll return to murdering and terrorizing, hoping they’ll have support from the people again for all the good deeds they had done. Kill them all now while they’re on the ropes.

Nah. Al-Sadr is ready to become part of the Iraqi establishment. He's been positioning himself for this for a while. There are still some die-hards in his organization, but he's marginalized them to the point where the Iraqi and US forces will be able to take them out for him, wihtout any real negative consequences to his prestige and influence.

That's the way warfare works in the Orient- half the time, you win wars by getting your opponents to join your side.

9 posted on 08/06/2008 3:17:38 PM PDT by Citizen Blade ("Please... I go through everyone's trash." The Question)
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To: Starman417
They will try and gain political support by giving away stuff, then if the US or coalition leaves, they will surface again with violence and with more local and political support for their terror campaign.

This is their hope, I guarantee it. They have no intention of permanently abandoning violence. They should all be stains on a road instead.

10 posted on 08/06/2008 3:34:24 PM PDT by lormand
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To: Starman417

OK, just cut off all their testicles, make them clean the sewers and I’m happy.


11 posted on 08/06/2008 4:15:43 PM PDT by manic4organic (Send a care package through USO today.)
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To: hsalaw
"Mahdi’s army is turning into democrats. BWAHAHAHA!"

He should call Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton for advice! You know- get gov. grants and extort companies on the side. They got rich without guns. It's up to the Iraqis to put up with their version of Jackson and Sharpton.

12 posted on 08/06/2008 4:45:36 PM PDT by BobS
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To: Starman417

Taqqiyah


13 posted on 08/06/2008 8:19:13 PM PDT by CaptRon (Pedicaris alive or Raisuli dead)
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