Gates says he doesn't expect Sadr's arrest

WASHINGTON, April 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday he'd be "surprised" if Shiite rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr were arrested, given his political importance in Iraq.

"I think I would be surprised if there were a move ... to arrest him," Gates said during a news conference with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen. "He is a significant political figure, and ... we want him to work within the political process in Iraq."

Mullen called Sadr an "enigma," pointing to the cease-fire his militia followed and the recent stepped-up fighting in Sadr City and Basra.

"Exactly where he's headed and what impact he'll have long term I think is out there still to be determined," Mullen said.