Iraq's Al Sadr seeks statesmanship with push against militias after US withdrawal
Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr is seeking to reinforce a long-standing Iraqi nationalist platform that aims to keep Baghdad out of regional conflicts and curb Iranian influence, experts and officials have told The National . Mr Al Sadr’s push comes as he called for a new chapter between the US and Iraq following the withdrawal of American troops on September 30. The prominent cleric and former…
Sheik Moqtada Al Sadr is attempting to transition into a role of statesmanship in Iraq, as he seeks to distance the nation from regional conflicts and Iranian influence, according to experts and officials. This comes in the wake of the US troop withdrawal from Iraq on September 30.
Al Sadr, a prominent Shiite cleric with a loyal following of millions, previously served as an enemy of American troops during the occupation. On the day of the US withdrawal, he dissolved his Promised Day Brigade and the Peace Brigades, which will now be under government control. Its members are expected to be incorporated into Iraq's formal security apparatus under Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's government.
Al Sadr's push for disarmament aims to portray himself as a statesman, steering Iraq away from regional conflicts while strengthening the state's monopoly on force. However, the process of disarming Al Sadr's militias remains uncertain, with a new deadline now set for June.
Al Sadr's vision for Iraq combines political and religious movements, advocating for clerics to be active in politics. The cleric has distanced himself from the mainstream political scene in Iraq and emerged as a nationalist and anti-corruption campaigner, positioning himself as a political kingmaker.
Al Sadr's recent actions and statements suggest a desire to shield Iraq from entanglement in regional conflicts, while also aiming to strengthen his credentials as a national political leader. He believes that limiting Iranian influence in succession is crucial for Iraq's stability, and has been making overtures towards the senior Shiite clerics in Najaf.
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