Teresita et al., the change that occurred to make the awakening happen was the change in tactics. Read the words of Gen. Petraeus when talking about the change and you will see it, if you are willing that is. The surge was more about the manpower to extend those tactics that were working to other areas and capiatalize on the successes. As far as Sadr calling for a cease fire, that was not good will on his part, that was about not getting your followers killed for no purpose once you see the ineveitable. Classic case of attrition warfare. His supply was limited and we had just decided to enhance ours. IMHO, his tactic now is to wait and see what happens while maintaining even a modicum of power in the area. If we leave posthaste (the Obama plan) he will be more than willing to fill the vacuum if the political climate allows.