a call for democracy in Iraq

Al Sadr: Let Iraqis decide on U.S. troops
May 27, 2008
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- An agreement between the United States and Iraq to allow U.S. troops to remain operating in Iraq past 2008 should be put to a popular referendum, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr urged in an online message to his followers.

Has anyone else noticed that al Sadr seems to be the loudest voice for participative democracy in Iraq? Why can't W embrace him? [... well, other than the fact that al Sadr really hates the U.S. occupation?]

Okay. If not "embrace" how 'bout "tolerate"? The Sadrist movement is popular. They've made honest efforts to work thru the "system". Their efforts have been rewarded by U.S. & Iraq govt with belligerence. Why not urge Maliki to reconcile with Sadr?

Too simplistic? Probably... but what we're doing ISN'T WORKING!

Stop the madness.