Iraq War II (III?) update

Exclusively from Debka.com:

US-backed negotiators attempting to talk Shiite uprising leader Moqtada Sadr into temporary absence in Iran where he lived before war. Hostilities would die down and Sadr avoid humiliating arrest for murder. US command determined to maintain negotiating momentum in conjunction with military initiatives until Shiite pilgrims disperse from Arbain observances in Karbala in a day or two.

This coincides with a cease fire in Fallujah and other areas where coalition forces have pulled back somewhat to allow U.S. backed negotiators a chance to forge a peaceful solution. The news that the US might grant al-Sadr the right to leave Najaf and flee to Iran is in direct contrast to what Ambassador Bremer has said that Sadr must either turn himself in or face death and the annihilation of his militia.

British officers are blaming American forces for the large civilian death toll and for their heavy handed tactics in confronting the insurgents.

Clearly, even if the situation is eventually resolved peacefully, sporadic violence will continue and the need to reform the CPA or to turn it over to the UN will become even more urgent. The June 30th date will likely be finessed to look like a transfer of power to a lame-duck Iraqi governing council but in fact the US will remain in control.