Gates Says He Doesn’t Expect Sadr’s Arrest
April 11, 2008
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday he’d be surprised if Shiite rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr were arrested, given his political importance in Iraq.
I think I would be surprised if there were a move … to arrest him, Gates said during a news conference with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen. He is a significant political figure, and … we want him to work within the political process in Iraq.
Mullen called Sadr an enigma, pointing to the cease-fire his militia followed and the recent stepped-up fighting in Sadr City and Basra.
Exactly where he’s headed and what impact he’ll have long term I think is out there still to be determined, Mullen said.