Sadr to Forge Peaceful Corps from Shiite Army

Mahdi militants said to shift focus to civil service, stabilizing Iraq

By Sam Biddle, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 4, 2008 7:51 PM CDT

(Newser) – Anti-American Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is shifting his political clout away from militancy, and will disarm his Shiite Mahdi Army in favor of non-violent civic and social endeavors, the Wall Street Journal reports. Hoping to increase stability in Iraq, the organization will take on projects involving education, religion, and social justice.

A Mahdi Army spokesman clarified that the organization will retain a small cadre of military operatives, though they will remain bound to the current ceasefire. Talk of an American withdrawal timetable has led to “thinking that our work must focus on guiding and enlightening the people to serve Iraqi society,” he added.

Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army is seeking to transform itself into a primarily non-militant organization. (AP Photo)

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Sadr to Forge Peaceful Corps from Shiite Army

Mahdi militants said to shift focus to civil service, stabilizing Iraq

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Mahdi militants said to shift focus to civil service, stabilizing Iraq

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Mahdi Army • Iraq pullout • timetable • Muqtada al-Sadr

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Bush Praises Iraqi Offensive

President scolds Congress' calls for withdrawal

Sadr Offers to Trade Militia for Set Timetable

Already disbanding Mahdi Army, cleric wants firm US deal

Militia Power Wanes as Iraqi Government Gains

Shiite Mahdi Army's extortion and violence alienate residents

Sadr Cultivates Respect, Image to Reflect Power

Militia chief moves toward mainstream, hones clerical chops

Green Zone Strike Kills 2 in Sandstorm

Violence comes after al-Sadr's plea to end fighting

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Newser By Users

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