Trying to cut a deal around the Mahdi

Not too much in this article outlining US attempts to create a pact with elements of the Mahdi, but it sounds like the US is attempting to pry off some of the more "moderate" elements by trying to work through tribal leaders.

What's not clear is whether this is attempt to get Sadr himself into the fold, or to try and set up tribal Shia tribal leaders as a counterbalancing force.

(Note: Within the key Mahdi areas, tribal power structures and affiliations are generally pretty weak.)