Al Fallujah Offensive: Shiite Silence an Election Strategy?

The first U.S. offensive against the Sunni city of Al Fallujah coincided with an increase in fighting in the Shiite areas and the rise of militant leader Muqtada al-Sadr. This time around, the Shiite areas have remained relatively calm and — perhaps more importantly — the Shiite establishment has been silent about the U.S. operation. Several explanations are possible for the silence, which could have important implications for the future of Iraq.