U.S. seeks pact with Jaish al-Mahdi

[Danny]

Wow. This is all rather depressing. If taking Sadr out is not a viable option as you suggest, then the Hobson's choice is to wish that he start another rebellion (for which he is too smart), or try to undermine his own forces from within (how likely is this to succeed?).

It makes sense, then, that he would use this opportunity to reorganize and consolidate power, if he senses that the U.S. is trying to fraction the JAM from within.

Well, how about "fracture" or "faction," not "fraction." Sigh ...