Now the government is addressing the problems caused by al-Sadr and his Mahdi militia. They've publicly announced a clampdown on the militias and are expressing concerns about Jaafari's ties to al- Sadr. Right out in the open.
They have FINALLY realized that he needs to be dealt with, margainalized or removed as one of the steps to achieve peace.
I did hear where they said that people with guns in the street would be arrested. But I have not heard anything since then. Are people actually being arrested if they walk around (or drive around) with guns?