In Iraq, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered his Mahdi Army to stop fighting, six days after Iraqi forces attacked Sadr strongholds in Basra and Baghdad. In exchange, Sadr demanded the Iraqi government free imprisoned members of the Mahdi Army, end house raids and help bring back Shiites displaced from the recent fighting. Despite Sadr’s call, mortar attacks continued in Baghdad and Basra. As many as 350 Iraqis died in the past week of Shiite-on-Shiite fighting. Prior to Sadr’s surprise announcement, members of the Mahdi Army had threatened to keep fighting until the United States left Iraq.

Mahdi Army Member: “We will not put down our weapons until the occupiers leave Iraq and we receive orders from the honorable Muqtada al-Sadr that the occupiers have left Iraq completely. Then we will be ready to lay down our weapons. Until then, nothing happens. We receive orders from our commanders, and God willing, we will bring an end to the occupation. We are willing to sacrifice our lives and our families, everything. We will not back down until the last drop and the last moment. We will keep the city of Basra safe and secure.”