Hundreds Flee Fight in Shiite Stronghold

[Gunny]

Associated Press

BAGHDAD April 7, 2008, 09:31 pm ET · Hundreds of people fled fighting in Baghdad's Shiite militia stronghold Monday as U.S. and Iraqi forces increased pressure on anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who faces an ultimatum to either disband his Mahdi Army or give up politics.

Al-Sadr's aides said he would only dismantle the powerful militia if ordered by top Shiite clerics — who have remained silent throughout the increasingly dangerous showdown.

Although al-Sadr holds considerable influence through the Mahdi fighters — estimated at up to 60,000 — political exile for his movement would shatter his dream of becoming the major power broker among the country's Shiite majority.

more ... http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19318352

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