al Sistani and al Sadr

I don't think that they are rivals. I suspect that they are part of the "new" Iraq. Al Sadr couldn't do what he is doing without support from al Sistani. No, it hasn't been verbally stated but I feel there is an alliance. Iran and Syria factions are supporters, as well.

Boh Sistani & Sadr are Shiites, one would think they have something in common. Also their country is being occupied by a foreign invader and their holy city is now surrounded by heavy artillery. You tell me if that doesn't make strange bed-fellows.

While I am far from an expert on Iraqi Shiites, as is anyone else here who comments (did anyone ever hear the names Sistani & Sadr prior to the invasion???) it appears this is one of this regime's greatest failures in this fiasco. Supposedly Sistani was to be the bridge to the Shiites and neutralize Sadr and other radicals and keep the Iranians out. By playing roughshod and showing not just a lack of knowledge of the indigenous culture, but an disdain for it, how can one win the "hearts & minds"?

I always suggest when we hear reports from Iraq to put the shoe on the other foot. If a foreign power had invaded this country, how would you or I or our so-called leaders react?

The Iraqis know one day our guns will be gone...and then scores will be counted and settled...Sistani surely knows that.

Cheers.