Don't twist this and think for one moment I in any way endorce Sadr or his men or methods. That said, keep in mind that he is probably viewed as a patriot to his cause and people, and may soon become a martyr. You defeat such people by co-opting them, by negotiating with them. The either/or approach leaves you with either a populist or a dead hero. Alas, this subtle distinction is lost on our policy makers.

From | Reuters.com
Iraq's Sadr Says Ready to Die for Anti-U.S. Drive

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, wanted by U.S.-led forces in Iraq, said Tuesday he was willing to die for his campaign to end their occupation.

But the radical preacher also appeared to leave the door open to negotiation, saying his only demand was to keep foreign troops out of the holy city of Najaf, where he himself is based.

"I am ready to sacrifice (myself) and I call on the people not to allow my death to cause the collapse of the fight for freedom and an end to the occupation," Sadr told Lebanon's al-Manar television, run by the Shi'ite Hizbollah group.

Sadr, whose Mehdi Army militia has confronted occupation forces including Polish, British and Italian troops, urged non-American soldiers to distance themselves from U.S. leadership "and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Iraqi people."

U.S. commanders in Iraq have said they want Sadr dead or alive and have vowed to re-establish control over Najaf.