Showdown dominates Iraq talks

The deadly showdown between US troops and Iraqi militants in Najaf dominated Iraq’s national conference, with tribal and religious leaders deciding to send 60 delegates to the holy city to persuade a radical Shiite cleric to call off his fighters.

Aides to Muqtada al-Sadr said the cleric, whose loyalists have been battling the Americans from Najaf’s vast cemetery and revered Imam Ali Shrine since August 5, awaited the delegates’ arrival today.