Sadrists Refuse to Dissolve Mahdi Army

Azzaman is issued daily by journalist Saad al-Bazaz.

IWPR

Institute for War & Peace Reporting

Monday, 1 May, 2006

Sadrists Refuse to Dissolve Mahdi Army

Azzaman is issued daily by journalist Saad al-Bazaz.

The Sadrist movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr is refusing to dissolve Mahdi army, contrary to the promises of (incoming prime minister Jawad) al-Malki to dissolve all militias. The movement also demanded to hold five ministerial posts in the new government. Baha al-A'raji (a Sadr movement MP) from the United Iraqi Alliance maintained that Mahdi army does not have ties with political institutions. "It is connected to Sadr's popular movement and the army was established as a natural reaction to the occupation. It is an army of faith," he said.

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