I was thinking about this analogy: to compare Amal and Hizbullah in South Lebanon during the Israeli occupation, with Muqtada As-Sadr and the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq under the American (and Macedonian) occupation. I would not, have not, underestimated the political skills of the demagogic and fanatical cleric, As-Sadr. But I would argue that he will be ascending politically, especially as US intentions to withdraw--of which I am certain--become known. As-Sadr, unlike The Supreme Council, maintained good ties with all Sunni groups (with the exception of the Zarqawi gang of course) and even allowed his representatives to meet with Iraqi Ba`thists in Lebanon this month. The demonstrations by his men today against Federalism will also enhance his standing especially as he seems closer to Sistani on that than Al-Hakim. The Council, like Amal before it, will adjust by simply moving politically to adjust to the changing political environment. (Just occurred to me, that all those people are clerics. It is funny because I am certain that when US was planning this war on Iraq, they really, REALLY, assumed that the major personalities involved in their "liberated" Iraq would be Chalabi, `Allawi, and Pachachi.)