In the end, at least this is how the story will be spun, it was Sistani, NOT the US nor Allawi that was able to bring peace to Najaf, make sure the shrine was not damaged, and got Sadr to give. This diminishes Sadr slightly, builds up Sistani greatly, the US keeps its bad image and Allawi barely gains, if he gained AT ALL.
This round began 3 weeks ago with an attack by Sadr on a police station in Najaf after the Marines started patrolling some new areas. Sadr held the Imam Ali mosque. 3 weeks later, the police are in control of the Imam Ali shrine, not Sadr.
To me, this seems like symbolicly valuable "territory" that the government gained. A big success. If Sadr continues acting up, we can finish him off in a less sensitive area of the country.
Also, there's the possibility that the shrine treasures will be audited by Sistani and Sadr will be blamed for stealing some of them. This would be bad news for Sadr.
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