Sadr's sudden retirement shakes up Iraqi politics - Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Mushreq Abbas

Mushreq Abbas

Feb 17, 2014

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) - RTR3C3HZ — Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr (C) takes part in Friday prayers at the Abdul Qadir Gilani Mosque, Baghdad, Jan. 4, 2013. — REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

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Has Sadr lost the Iraqi street?

Omar Sattar

Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr speaks in Najaf, 160 km (99 miles) south of Baghdad, February 18, 2014. Sadr stuck to his decision to leave political life and dissolve his movement, saying that politics had become a way to inflict injustice. Sadr, who led revolts against U.S. forces in Iraq before their pullout and became a major influence in the government, initially announced his retirement on Saturday via a handwritten statement on his website. REUTERS/Handout/Office of Moqtada al-Sadr (IRAQ - Tag

Is Muqtada al-Sadr retiring or repositioning?

Harith al-Qarawee

Harith al-Qarawee

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

The New Muqtada al-Sadr Seeks Moderate Image in Iraq

Mustafa al-Kadhimi

Mustafa al-Kadhimi

Iraq elections: Will Sadr seek a new beginning with Turkey?

Fehim Tastekin

In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics