Opinion | Editorials
Now it is time for Al Sistani to speak
Al Sadr's remarks on disbanding of Al Mahdi army could be a ploy.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:38 April 8, 2008
Moqtada Al Sadr, leader of Iraq's strongest militia that has been fighting government forces for the past two weeks, has said he would disband his militia if Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani ordered it.
His statement came after Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki warned Al Sadr's militia, Al Mahdi Army, to lay down its arms or face a ban from politics.
It is not really clear if this is a genuine offer by Al Sadr, who has some 30 members in the parliament, or just an attempt to deflect the pressure applied by the government.
One cannot really know unless Al Sistani speaks out. And he rarely does. But the issue is critical to Iraq's stability and future. Therefore, it is upon the Grand Ayatollah to come out clearly against the militias, which have become above the law in many parts of the divided country. It is time Al Sistani made clear that no militia enjoys his blessing.
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