Sadr withdraws from Iraqi elections
Populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has withdrawn from Iraq's October elections, removing his support for the government.
The head of Iraq's Sadrist movement, populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, announced July 15 that he will not participate in the early elections scheduled for Oct. 10.
Soon after, hundreds of Sadrists gathered in various cities in southern Iraq and burned their electoral cards in a symbolic protest showing that they also will not participate in the elections.
In addition, Sadr said he has withdrawn his support from all politicians — even those affiliated with his movement — in this government and the one that will be formed after the elections.
Three points we need to keep in mind regarding Sadr's announcement.
