It seems clear that the Shiite leadership is considering going ahead without the Sunnis.

There were suggestions, for instance, that the Shiite leadership itself was not unified on the federalism question.

The tension between the American authorities and the Shiite political leadership has many sources.

A recommendation for a "far-reaching" amnesty program also faces a major obstacle in the Shiite leadership.

"Even if it's not under the Mahdi Army, that's best for the Shiite leadership," he said.

The worldview of Shiite leadership is one which contracts and expands continuously.

The interim constitution was unanimously approved by the governing council's Shiite leadership, he noted.

Baydun had previously contested elections in the south and was connected to the southern Shiite leadership.

But the Shiite leadership has also made it clear that its modesty should not be mistaken for meekness.

Iran is already reinforcing its ties to Iraq's new Shiite leadership.