Edgewise

Sovereign Power in Iraq

David Kolodney

"Nobody is taking Sadr at his word," [US national security advisor Condoleezza Rice said]. "He's someone from whom you have to see action. He said lots of words before. He has never followed through on them. And I don't think you're going to see an Iraqi government that's going to take his word."
Sadr "can't have a militia running the streets," said Rice. "He can't occupy the holiest shrine in Shiadom. He has to be dealt with and I'm quite certain he will be."

--The United States is providing assistance to the government of Iraq.