Radical Iraq Shiite Group Going Political - Muqtada al-Sadr

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040712/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_going_political&cid=540&ncid=1473

NAJAF, Iraq - A Shiite group whose militia fought U.S. troops for two months is quietly working to transform itself into a behind-the-scenes political power.


Since the guns fell silent in June, the group led by Muqtada al-Sadr has sought to distance itself from violence and rebuild ties with top clerics. And it is considering throwing its weight behind candidates in elections scheduled for January.


"We are undergoing a transitional phase," said Abbas al-Robai, a close al-Sadr aide. "We are taking a very close look at ourselves and our work."


The change of strategy could bring significant political influence to a group that has been a source of worry to U.S. authorities since the fall of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s regime. If it can convert its street popularity into votes, Iraq (news - web sites)'s first democratically elected parliament could have a distinct Islamist slant.

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[wtmusic]

1. In the neocons' dreams

Iraqis would join in a group hug and live happily ever after

[wyethwire]

2. wasn't there a poll

that rated al-Sadr's chances in an election?