Violence in Iraq due to Shia Guru's announcement of political retirement,
Violence in Iraq due to Shia Guru's announcement of political retirement,
20 dead, army announced curfew
20 dead, army announced curfew
On Monday, cleric Muktada al-Sadr's decision to quit politics sparked outrage among his supporters and took to the streets
On Monday, cleric Muktada al-Sadr's decision to quit politics sparked outrage among his supporters and took to the streets
Apologizing to Iraqis after clashes between an armed group loyal to him and rival Shiite Muslim groups backed by Iran killed 22 people
Apologizing to Iraqis after clashes between an armed group loyal to him and rival Shiite Muslim groups backed by Iran killed 22 people
Sadr condemned the fighting and took an hour to disperse his followers. given time
Sadr condemned the fighting and took an hour to disperse his followers. given time
"It is not a revolution because it has lost its peaceful character," said Sadar, a former U.S.
"It is not a revolution because it has lost its peaceful character," said Sadar, a former U.S.
The rebel leader said in his televised address. "Spoiling of Iraqi blood is prohibited."
The rebel leader said in his televised address. "Spoiling of Iraqi blood is prohibited."
starting to leave the fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad,
starting to leave the fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad,
the area where government offices are located and where they occupied parliament for weeks.
the area where government offices are located and where they occupied parliament for weeks.
Monday's clashes between rival factions of Iraq's Shia Muslim majority come after a 10-month
Monday's clashes between rival factions of Iraq's Shia Muslim majority come after a 10-month
political standoff since Iraq's October parliamentary election, raising fears of escalating unrest.
political standoff since Iraq's October parliamentary election, raising fears of escalating unrest.
Sadr emerged as the main winner in the election, but failed in his attempts
Sadr emerged as the main winner in the election, but failed in his attempts
to form a government with Sunni Muslim Arab and Kurdish parties, excluding Iran-backed Shia groups.
to form a government with Sunni Muslim Arab and Kurdish parties, excluding Iran-backed Shia groups.
Violence erupted this week when Sadr said he was withdrawing from all political activity
Violence erupted this week when Sadr said he was withdrawing from all political activity
a decision he said was prompted by the failure of other Shia leaders and parties to reform a corrupt and decaying regime.
a decision he said was prompted by the failure of other Shia leaders and parties to reform a corrupt and decaying regime.