Militant Cleric Considers Entry Into Iraqi Politics
The Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr has begun laying the groundwork to enter Iraq’s nascent democratic process, telling Iraqi leaders that he is planning to disband his militia and possibly field candidates for office. After weeks of watching his militia wither before American military attacks, Mr. Sadr has sent emissaries to some of Iraq’s major political parties and religious groups to discuss the possibility of involving himself in the campaign for nationwide elections, according to a senior aide to Mr. Sadr and several Iraqi leaders who have met with him.Full Story