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The New Muqtada al-Sadr Seeks Moderate Image in Iraq

Iraq’s Muqtada al-Sadr started his political career as a radical Shiite cleric but has transformed himself into a force of moderation and stability, writes Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr (C) takes part in Friday prayers participated by Sunni and Shi'ite Muslim worshippers in a gesture of unity at the Abdul Qadir Gilani Mosque in Baghdad January 4, 2013.  REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani (IRAQ - Tags: RELIGION) - RTR3C3I0
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During Iraq’s recent crises, the young religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr has presented himself as a mature and visionary politician. In the past, Sadr, his movement and its military wing, the Mahdi Army militia, had a different image.

The change in Sadr’s political approach is not surprising. The political experience he has gained since 2003, the circumstances that accompanied the formation of his movement and splits at different stages, in addition to his studies in Iran and his personal experience resulted in the “New Sadr,” who is now a main safeguard against the country sliding into civil war.

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