Mahdi Army to become Iraq “social services” organization

Per a news release from yesterday, Muqtada al-Sadr plans to disarm the Mahdi militia, and change it to a social services organization that focuses on education, religion and social justice… all without weaponry.

Recently, however, the group has been hit by a largely successful Iraqi military crackdown against militia members operating as criminal gangs. At the same time, Mr. Sadr’s popular support is dwindling: Residents who once viewed the Mahdi Army as champions of the poor became alienated by what they saw as its thuggish behavior.

A new brochure, obtained by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by Mr. Sadr’s chief spokesman, Sheik Salah al-Obeidi, states that the Mahdi Army will now be guided by Shiite spirituality instead of anti-American militancy. The group will focus on education, religion and social justice, according to the brochure, which is aimed at Mr. Sadr’s followers. The brochure also states that it “is not allowed to use arms at all.”

Posters have been put up in some areas of Baghdad saying a new direction for the Mahdi Army will be announced at this Friday’s prayers.

Whatever Sadr’s personal intent, it’s unlikely that the rogue elements contined within the Mahdi militias will comply. Sadr’s been frustrated that not all follow his orders to lay down arms, and ignore the cease file he signed with the Iraqi govt in May. The differences have caused internal strike, with assassinations being carried out on other Mahdi members who support the cease fire.

For Sadr personally, it’s a way back to credibility.

Kenneth Pollack, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said turning the Mahdi Army into a civic and political organization was a logical step given the weakening of the militia after the crackdown in Basra, Sadr City and Amarah. Indeed, in the long term, it could help legitimize the movement. “If the government fails to deliver on basic services and other needs of the Iraqis, Sadr followers could use their new organization to tell people they should look to them as voice of change,” Mr. Pollack said.

Until recently, the Mahdi Army had enjoyed widespread popular support in areas of Baghdad and in the southern Shiite area of Iraq because it was known to help the poor by giving them money, food and other aid. But its popularity began to wane in the past few months as some members turned increasingly to criminal activity such as taking control of gas stations and extorting money from merchants in exchange for protection.

According to the new brochure, the Mahdi Army will now adhere to the guiding principle of “al-Mumahidoon,” which translates roughly as “those who are paving the way” in Arabic. It’s a reference to people who are awaiting the return of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi, a revered religious figure in Shia Islam, who Shiites believe will come back to rid the world of evil and injustice.

Of course, Sadr’s not giving up *all* arms… he will keep a few small, special armed cells for limited military operations against U.S. forces. He said specific details about these cells, and how they can be distinguished from rogue Mahdi Army members, will be publicized at a future date.

U.S. military spokesman Col. Jerry O’Hara welcomed the intent, but was careful to say “the proof is always in the actions and not just the words, so we’ll take a wait-and-see approach.” But what is to be eyed warily is the extremist elements of the Mahdi, regrouping in Iran… now estimated to be 5000 strong.

What can be said from this remaking of the Madhi is that the Iraq government has a great success under their belt. No… it’s not a win that forever dampens the Mahdi militia’s effect, and yes… they must remain on guard for the militant elements resurgence.

But the internal strife and Sadr’s will to change the course of the militia as a whole are all developments that weigh in favor of the new Iraq. What remains to be seen is just what that “education” under Sadr’s proposed “social services” organization entails. More jihad? And the Iraq security forces, while enjoying a battle win over the Mahdi militia, must keep their eyes open for the militants return from Iran, to maintain this fragile win.