"Lack of reprisals from Iraq's Shiite: diminished status and options or a collective decision to hold back?"

AP, here

"... An Iraqi offensive last year into Sadr City broke the control of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia, which used the huge Shiite slum as its Baghdad base and ran it as they wished with armed patrols and checkpoints. It's now in the hands of Iraqi security forces......Almost immediately after the Sadr City blasts, stunned residents denounced Iraqi forces for failing to protect them. Some called for the Mahdi Army's return as a more reliable defense against insurgents..... But there was a widespread feeling that the days of Mahdi Army swagger were likely over....But patience among the former Mahdi Army patrons already could be wearing thin..."