The Mahdi ceasefire is in question

Just a quick word on Iraq. Another statement out of the Mahdi camp warning that the Sadrist ceasefire may not be extended.

Influential members within the movement loyal to Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have told him they do not want his Mehdi Army militia to extend a ceasefire when it expires this month, Sadr's spokesman said on Monday.

This could easily be a negotiating ploy, notice that the primary complaint is against government forces, but, because of the ramifications, statements like these need to be taken seriously.

The "deadline" is Feb. 23.