Who is powerful Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr?

Summary:

• Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, despite leaving politics, holds significant influence in Iraq through his loyal supporters.
• His ability to challenge both Iran and the US appeals to millions of poor Shi'ites who feel marginalized by the government's alignment.
• Muqtada al-Sadr rose to prominence after the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and has a history of engaging in political and social movements.
• His recent involvement in a Quran burning incident in Sweden has raised concerns among diplomats about the potential destabilization of Iraq.

Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who left Iraqi politics last year, demonstrated his continued influence when his supporters stormed and torched the Swedish embassy in Baghdad over a man's plan to burn a Quran. This incident has plunged Baghdad into a diplomatic crisis, embarrassing the government and prompting a severance of ties with Sweden. Sadr's ability to mobilize massive support and challenge both Iran and the US makes him a significant figure in politics and a kingmaker.

Muqtada al-Sadr is a prominent Iraqi cleric with significant influence over the country's majority Shi'ite community. Despite leaving Iraqi politics, he continues to wield power through his loyal supporters. Last year, his supporters staged a sit-in in the Baghdad parliament amid tensions with Iran-backed rivals, and in 2019, they participated in large anti-corruption protests that led to the toppling of a government linked to pro-Iranian parties. Sadr is the only Iraqi Shi'ite leader who has challenged both Iran and the US, gaining popularity among millions of poor Shi'ites who feel marginalized by the government's alignment with either side. His role as a powerful figure in politics and a kingmaker is evident in his movement's electoral victories and the significant positions his supporters hold in the state bureaucracy. However, his rivalry with Iran-backed factions has also led to instability and deadly conflicts in Baghdad.

Despite stepping back from politics, Muqtada al-Sadr remains influential through religious authority, being recognized as the descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. A recent Quran burning incident in Sweden reignited his involvement in politics, raising concerns among diplomats about a potential destabilization of Iraq if he makes a full comeback.