So many people are intent on putting a negative spin on this situation regardless of how it turns out.
I see something very different developing here.
What I saw as a rather scarey situation when it started out, I am now beginning to believe will ultimately work out for the better.
Those religious leaders who may have been leaning away from Democracy and toward more an Islamic theocracy for Iraq might be learning something valuable from this al-Sadr crisis.
That is without a Democracy where the rule of law protects individual rights of those of ALL religions and sects....they run the risk of fanatics like al-Sadr stirring up enough religious extremism to threaten even their own positions of prominence.
This is why we have seen the religious leaders helping the Americans in this conflict and stepping up to take more responsibility in securing the goal of a free and Democratic Iraq.
I think al-Sadr's attack on the Americans and the occupation has actually helped to further our goals in creating a free and Democratic Iraq.
Oh, and what has hurt Bush's poll numbers will in the end help him.
Good post.