US general: Sadr likely to extend Iraq ceasefire

[sabra]

Source: reuters

WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Influential Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr will likely extend a ceasefire that has been credited with helping reduce violence in Iraq, a U.S. general said on Friday.

Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, chief of staff for the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, said Sadr's August order to his Mehdi Army militia to cease activities for six months had been "helpful" in improving security in Baghdad and elsewhere.

"Clearly, it does help to have that in place and we would like to see it stay in place," Anderson said.

Asked if he was confident Sadr would recommit to the ceasefire, Anderson said: "I think I have to say, yes, now."

"It is viable. It has been viable. It's made a difference," he said.

Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N01416514.htm

[TwilightGardener]

1. I wonder what the price was?

[sabra]

3. they really seem to be sucking up to him lately, General P even has the

troops calling him the honorable muqtada al sadr :eyes:

[TwilightGardener]

4. Gen P met with al Sadr's deputies in October. They have a deal going on.

[bemildred]

5. That's being re-negotiated as we speak. nt

[ixion]

2. troop deaths up in January

oh yeah...some difference. :eyes: