The question is whether the WSJ is correct in stating that al Sadr now thinks his people should no longer co-operate with the Americans. If this is so, the Americans will accomplish nothing more unless they are willing to do what the Sadrists did--provide health care, education-- and defense. US soldiers are not geared to provide health care and education--so the population will just wait til they leave--since home-grown militias can provide their own defense.

And if the Americans should seem aggressive, there will be big problems--and more US body bags. That's why Bush's policy is so stupid. Nobody is in favor of more US casualties--or Iraqi casualties----but without al Sadr's at least tacit co-operation, it's going to happen. Bush's "surge" is hostage to factors completely outside his control.