End of Najaff standoff

The three-week long standoff demonstrates several things. While it exposes the weakness of both the Interim Authority as well as the occupation forces, it demonstrates that mere force can do very little to solve a problem that remains the fundamental and core issue of the entire imbroglio, which is the end of occupation of Iraq. It also demonstrates the interim authority's tenuous control of the overall politico-military situation in Iraq.

That, a religious cleric, convalescing after a heart operation, had to be called upon to strike a peace deal with what the occupation army considers a rebel force, speaks volumes about the interim authority's lack of clout in resolving vexing political issues on their own.

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We are happy to note that the initiative of the Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani and his peace plans have borne fruit in that both Mahdi-al-Sadr and the interim government support the deal. Given that both the Ayatollah and Mahdi-al-Sadr view each other with suspicion, the deal brings some hope for peace in the area.

In fact Baghdad, Sadr City, Najaff, Samara, Baquba, Kufa etc are but the manifestations of the deep resentment of the common Iraqis against the continued and illegal occupation of their country. It is also a reaction to the promised peace and freedom that has remained elusive.

The Interim Government will do well to remember that Sadr and his Mahdi Army enjoy support at the grassroots in many parts of Iraq, particularly Shia Iraq. It would be wrong to see the Mahdi Army as a transient phenomenon, led by one who has the pretension but not the substance of power.

Mr. Sadr should be persuaded to join the democratic process, but such persuasion should not cause the wanton death and destruction of Iraqi civilians. We only hope the truce lasts.