Latest from Sajad Jiyad
Iran and Iraq Are Competing Over Leadership of Shiite Islam After Sistani
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the most senior cleric in Shiite Islam, is approaching 94 years old. His doctrine and actions, including resistance to Iranian theocracy, have proved a stabilizing force in Iraq for decades, but many wonder if more authority will pass to Iran when he is gone.
The Trouble With Muqtada al-Sadr
So what’s next for Sadr? He again feels abandoned by allies and encircled by powerful parties and nations. But he has time on his side, he is younger than the other political leaders and his grassroots support gives him political longevity. His disagreements with Iran have gained him some grudging domestic and international support, but he does not intend to be used as a pawn in that geopolitical struggle.