Suspension of armed activities in Iraq

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered a six-month suspension of activities by his Mahdi Army militia in order to reorganize the force. This doesn’t go far enough if the intent is to resume armed fighting leading to further casualties. What is needed is that all Iraqi factions should endeavour for durable national reconciliation.

Muqtada al-Sadr’s order must come after the threat of Bush to Iran supporting insurgents in Iraq with arms and training to attack US forces as well as after Iraqi Shia, Sunni and Kurdish leaders have signed a reconciliation deal.

Having less insurgence must be good news. The good news for Iraq is when Muqtada al-Sadr’s armed groups join the Iraqi forces to fight foreign militias who have become warlords threatening the stability and the security of the Iraqis and even dividing their loyalty.