Peace delegation 'can't find escort'

A delegation of Iraqis meant to help negotiate an end to the uprising in Najaf was forced today to delay its mission to the holy city when it could not get a military escort for the dangerous journey.

The 60 mediators from Iraq’s National Conference had planned to leave early today to meet radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and appeal to his followers to put down their arms and join Iraq’s political process.