Letting him go twice after raising militias against the U.S. and other Iraqis didn't work.

Trying to incorporate him into the government, trying to pretend he was a statesman instead of a two-bit goon in Iran's pay didn't work. (see also: Arafat).

Standing aside and letting him run free while his thugs infiltrated the police didn't work.

As for his army hitting the streets and attacking the Coalition, I wish them luck. They've had their asses thoroughly kicked every time they've tried it. They seem to be at their best shooting unarmed civilians in the back of the head at night.

We'll see what happens. Sadr is still hiding in Iran, the Mahdi Army isn't what it used to be, and it's not a certainty that Maliki is going to come out on the wrong end of this.