From Juan Cole

"Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani's forces stopped them [mahdi army of al Sadr] from taking the shrine of Imam Husayn in Karbala (- al-Hayat)".

I didn't know that Sistani had "forces". I am glad as he has long seemed relatively reasonable. I think it is important (if true) that Sistani's forces blocked Sadr's. Sistani has a large following and a firmer position against Sadr's choice to fight would be very helpful. Also I think Sadrists in the mausoleum of Ali in Najaf are a major major problem and one major major problem is a lot better than two.

I hereby re-join the Ali al Hussaini al Sistani fan club.