Muqtada Al-Sadr is one of the most influential religious and political figure in Iraq who is more popular among younger Iraqis. A Shiite Muslim Cleric, and believed to be one of the direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammad. The 37 year old radical cleric, who rose to prominence after the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. He has enthusiastic supporters and well-armed followers.
The return of Muqtada Al-Sadr recently to Iraq from self-exile raised doubts among the supporters of the coalition forces who are waiting for the final withdrawal of all its forces in Iraq. In his first ever public appearance after his surprised return from Iran on wednesday, his supporters flocked to his house to hear words of encouragement from him. He is considered as a hero by the Iraqi people especially those who are against the U.S. lead invasion of Iraq.
As a cleric he is promoting peace among Shiite Muslims but his recent pronouncements proved to be contrary to what a cleric should project. He is quoted as saying and urged his followers to chant “No, no to America” and to “denounce Israel and reject all occupiers”. He further states that “let the whole world hear that we reject America. “We don’t kill Iraqis-our hands do not kill Iraqis.” “We target only the occupiers with all the means of resistance.”
Muqtada Al-Sadr, the man who leads two uprisings against Americans during the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom and was suspected as the man behind the (–foul word(s) removed–)(–foul word(s) removed–)ination of fellow cleric Imam Abdul Majid a-Khoei. He leads the Mahdi Army who fought against the U.S. Coalition Forces and later implicated as one of the proponents of the deadly sectarian conflict between Sunni and Shiites. The bloodshed that brought about by this insurgence is not an indication of promoting peace but violence.
The recent rocket attacked against the U.S. Emb(–foul word(s) removed–)y and other American installation is an indication that Muqtada Al-Sadr cannot control his followers. The Mahdi Army Militia is the prime suspects of all these violence that are slowly bringing down the peace and order situation in Iraq. The group now is also backed by Iran’s notable figures; The League of Righteous. His return to Iraq have also raised speculations that he is targeting the political aspects of his career. His political group has garnered 39 seats in the Iraqi Parliament.
Muqtada Al-Sadr was also quoted as saying “Let’s annoy the American occupier so one more time No No Occupier, he farther adds that he make it more angrier. He is quoted as saying that “YES YES YES to Resistance.”
Whatever the plans of Muqtada Al-Sadr whether it will be for peace or violence, the people of Iraq should watch-out for this man who is considered by the U.S. as the single most dangerous person for stability in Iraq.
