We Have to Destroy the Holy Shrine, in Order to Save It

I suppose (in fact, I hope) that this may be posturing, but it doesn't look good.

Iraq "will not stand with arms folded," said a statement issued by interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.

"The government's position is clear and specific to ending armed manifestations, stopping acts of sabotage and making the armed men leave Najaf and the mosque," Allawi said.

Earlier, Iraqi Defense Minister Hazem Sha'alan said the Iraqi government has completed preparations for a military operation to "liberate the holy shrine" of Imam Ali Mosque and regain "Najaf city from the gang of mercenaries."

And, in an interview with Arabic-language TV network Al-Arabiya, Sha'alan said Iraqi troops will enter the holy sites in Najaf in a swift operation and he said he expects a "decisive battle."

Mission Accomplished yet?