Firebrand Iraqi cleric hits centre stage again

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=143&sid=6034284&cKey=1124931935000

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose fighters clashed with rival Shi'ite factions on Wednesday night, has again returned to centre stage in the new Iraq but this time the stakes are much higher.

As Shi'ite and Kurdish government leaders were set to push through a constitution Sadr fiercely opposes, his spokesman warned that his Mehdi Army militia could be quickly mobilised after fighting erupted with administration-linked Shi'ites.

Sadr, scion of a respected Shi'ite clerical dynasty who led two uprisings against U.S. troops last year, has set a pattern of lengthy periods of silence followed by dramatic entrances.

Clashes in the holy city of Najaf, in Baghdad and elsewhere could offer Sadr an opportunity to reassert himself at a time of uncertainty, a skill he has mastered since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

This week he reminded the U.S.-backed government how quickly he can stir passions when thousands of his supporters protested against the draft constitution, stepping up pressure on Iraqi leaders exhausted after weeks of wrangling over the charter.

[bemildred]

1. This ought to get interesting Don.

We have push coming to shove here.
I've been wondering if/when Moqtada would speak up. Now he has.
The next big question will be whether al Sistani has anything to say.
Meanwhile the gibbering fools in the Green Zone can continue with their paper dolls.

[H5N1]

2. I was wondering when we might see him again

I wonder what he's been doing for the last twelve months?
I suppose, among other things, he still has some scores
to settle with the US.

[IndianaGreen]

3. Down with the constitution!

It pushes Iraq into the 7th century! In fact, Iran is more liberal than the Shias of Basra.

[Disturbed]

4. The hero in error,

Ahmed Chalabi says that it's liberal compared to others in the region. Al Sistani is the real leader in Iraq. I wonder if he will comment.

[Yupster]

5. This surprises me

I hought he would have had a say/veto of the constitution so I thought he'd be a supporter.

In fact, I thought he'd be the not so subtle threat to the Sunnis to get behind the plan or the Mahdi Army will visit you.

If he's not on board with the government, there's big trouble.