Demosophia

Sistani Backs Off

[Sistani] declared Thursday that he would allow a six-month delay in the nationwide elections that he had demanded this summer, giving the U.S. administration crucial leeway in its plan to formally end the U.S. occupation and transfer power to an Iraqi government by June 30.

But Sistani, who has emerged as a key power broker in Iraq, said he wanted the date of an election -- the end of 2004 -- enshrined in a U.N. Security Council resolution. (Hat tip: Citizen Smash)

That's a little like holding out to marry Elmer Fudd, or demanding a Zirconia engagement ring, but whatever. What it says is that we have significant leverage, and possibly a little respect. This is pretty good news. Better news would be catching a couple of big fish.