OST* of Iraq's dissendents have been
protected by the Iranian government "at some time or another". We're not
talking about a weekend visit here, al Sadr was living under protected status
in Iran for 4 years and was returned to Iraq *by the Iranian government*!

Interesting I wonder why Ayatollah Sistani went to UK for the negotations,oops
I meant for the treatment,and not to US or Iran ?
US lost the Irak when Ayatollah Sistani in fall of 2003 declared a terrorist
bomb attack that claimed the lives of hundreds of worshippers as a "provocation
of US".
The wise Ayatollah was right it was a provocation but not a "provocation of
US".

Only if he stays there for 4 years as a guest of the goverment then re-enters
the country with the assistance of the Iranian government.

Where and when did Sistani go for the "treatment" and how he returned to Iraq?.
Similarities with Ayatollah Humeyni's return to Iran from France are of course
only coincidental.

Both Britain and France are of course very experienced the Great Game players.