Sadr's sudden retirement shakes up Iraqi politics

<p><span>Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has decided to retire from politics and has cut his relationship with the political and organizational representatives belonging to his movement. The&nbsp;political situation in Iraq has&nbsp;a new twist.&nbsp;</span></p><p>The surprise caused by&nbsp;Sadr’s statement&nbsp;issued on the evening of Feb. 15 was met with confusion by the political elites close to him. They heard of the decision&nbsp;through the media&nbsp;—&nbsp;and so did Sadr’s grassroots supporters, the Iraqi political parties&nbsp;and the general public.</p>
Read the full article here: Almonitor