Reply #5: Yup

[tama]

But the finer point is that the top shiite clerics have consistently held the non-partisan ("diplomatic") view that Mahdi army was not created by their action or blessing so they refuse take action either way present and future in word or deed. It easily escapes us how refined religious jurisprudence is and has to be on earthly matters, if hoping to stay in that position.

So Al-Sadr certainly was not surprised by shia clerics unwillingness to call for dismembering Mahdi army, but could count on it. But just as well, sure as hell it was very important for him to ask for their advice (to be not given) both in the eyes of masses and the top clerics alike.

Those accustomed to thinking in lines pure hobbesian realpolitik (power and greed) tend so and could take this as enforcing their cynical view about religious morals and politics, but IMHO they are wrong and Al-Sadr the man and his actions cannot be understood without respecting the strong moral guidelines that that direct them. I'm nowadays inclined to believe that the islamic student in the holy city of Qom is in his soul truly a man of peace and justice (according the standards of his own very ancient culture) as far as circumstances allow him, the poor guy who had History thrown upon him Big Way.