Sadr brochure hints at strategic shift

BAGHDAD, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The militia loyal to radical Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr will transform itself into a social-services group, says a brochure obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

The Mehdi Army, once a prime target of U.S. military operations in Baghdad, has dissolved amid mounting military pressure. For his part, Sadr, believed to be in Iran furthering his clerical studies, has lost much of his credibility among the Iraqi people for the militia's heavy-handed tactics.

But a brochure obtained by The Wall Street Journal says the Shiite militia will begin to operate in the spirit of Islam rather than military opposition. The brochure, whose contents will be read at Friday prayers this week, says Sadrists are "not allowed to use arms at all."

The restructuring campaign may be an effort by Sadr to insert himself into the political process as Iraq prepares for open-listed provincial elections. His followers, however, may be hesitant to follow along as many have ignored the cleric's move toward pacification.

The move does not mean the Mehdi Army has abandoned military opposition either. In June, Sadr announced the faction would split into political, social and special military wings, and his spokesman, Saleh al-Obeidi, said Sadr will maintain a small group of elite fighters to continue fighting U.S. military forces.