Breaking News: Sadr Has Run Out His Rope

The Washington Post reports that Moqtada al-Sadr and his Messiah Militia have run out of stalling tactics. After agreeing to the 47th truce in the last three months (ok, I'm making that up, but it seems that way), Sadr has been unwilling to take any positive action during the truces. He regroups, reloads, and breaks the truce. Again and again.

But now, "[Iraqi Minister of State] Dawoud said he had already toured Najaf's hospitals to ensure they were properly supplied to handle the casualties expected from a final offensive." Since U.S. troops have pledged not to enter the holy shrine, Iraqi politicians and troops have to brave the consequences and bullets, respectively, of storming the fortified mosque.

As an armchair strategist, I'd say this is time for "hearse diplomacy". Not to be confused with "gunboat diplomacy" (a show of force), "hearse diplomacy" would involve killing as many of Sadr's fighters as will not surrender, and make peace with Sadr after he's left with a fraction of his force.