Is the Mahdi returning?

AP has this interesting article about a truce of sorts developing between the US command and the Mahdi Army which allows Mahdi militiamen to patrol and protect the Imam Kadhim mosque in Baghdad. (It doesn't sound like this is the only place with such an arrangement.)

More troublingly, in describing a US Mahdi clash a few days ago,

During the two-hour fight, some Iraqi soldiers fought alongside Mahdi Army gunmen, according to the Iraqi officer in charge of security in the area.

He spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear for his life. But his account was corroborated by U.S. officials, who said some Iraqi soldiers took off their uniforms and tossed weapons to militiamen.

Pay attention. Since Sadr's withdrawal from the government, the Mahdi Army is growing more active, and the bound and tortured bodies are returning to Baghdad's streets.

In all, at least 68 people were killed or found dead nationwide Monday, police said. They included the bullet-riddled bodies of 30 men found in Baghdad — the apparent victims of sectarian death squads.

All but two were found in west Baghdad, including 17 in the Amil neighborhood where Sunni politicians have complained of renewed attacks by Shiite militiamen, according to a police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not supposed to release those details.

It still doesn't appear they're looking for direct confrontation with the US, but the Mahdi is creeping back out onto the streets.