NEWS FLASH

Sadr: I Will Accept U.S. Trainers | Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said yesterday that he would accept an American mission in Iraq past the end of this year but only if the U.S. completes a full military withdrawal and the U.S. pays compensation. “It has been said that the weapons [Iraq is purchasing] are American, so the trainers should be American also,” Sadr said, adding, “We say that shall not happen unless a full withdrawal of the occupiers happens, and then a new agreement is signed after the payment of compensation.” Previously, Sadr has said that he would authorize attacks on U.S. forces if any remained past the year-end withdrawal deadline.