In Iraq, protesters have long been demanding reforms. But this time, they want to take the government down, and they don’t need a protest leader to mobilise.
Once driving the populist wave during the protests in Iraq, cleric Muqtada al Sadr has now been mandated to resolve the protesters' demands.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al Abadi and cleric Moqtada al Sadr said their alliance "doesn't not mean the door is closed for the remaining blocs" to join them.
Iraqi elections' big winner Moqtada al Sadr promised a non-corrupt political system, less sectarian division, and sovereignty under a coalition he wants to create. But the challenge of realising them is bigger than forming a government.
The Iraqi election haven't just given us a winner. Sadr's evolution from a sectarian cleric feared by the US to the most influential leader is the personification of the change that Iraqis have been searching for.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al Abadi says all blocs should take part in the political process while Muqtada al Sadr, whose alliance won the May 12 elections, invited all parties to help form a new government.
Iraq has been struggling to come out from under the political morass that has gripped the country after the US invasion. The victory of Muqtada al Sadr's broad alliance could be the first sign that things might change for the better in Iraq.
Saudi Arabia has held meetings with two leaders from Iraq that have a violent sectarian past. In a bid to counter Iran's influence, the Saudis might be getting into bed with those accused of serious crimes against the Sunni population in Iraq.
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