Radical Shiite Leaders Moderate Stance

Radical Shiite leaders Moderate Stance toward US

Nir Rosen reports that Muhammad Yaqoubi, leader of the breakaway Sadrist group, al-Fudala, has moderated his anti-American statements lately, following Muqtada al-Sadr’s conciliatory communiqué of last Friday. Behind the scenes, the US is clearly using a set of carrots and sticks to reduce the tension with these ayatollahs and their numerous followers. (Yaqoubi’s Fudala is especially influential in Basra).

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/

Middle_East/EK07Ak02.html