Tag - Shia - The Century Foundation

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - NOVEMBER 15: A young Iraqi protestor lauches rocks with a slingshot at Iraqi security forces near Al-Senak bridge on Nov. 15, 2019 in Baghdad, Iraq. Al-Senak bridge has been a contested area where protestors have continued to advance their movements pushing northwest as Iraqi security forces aim to maintain their position. Since Oct. 1, thousands of demonstrators have occupied various parts of Baghdad including its main bridges and Tahrir Square calling for government and policy reform. For many, Tahrir Square, which protesters are calling

Commentary Century International

The Logic of Intra-Shia Violence in Iraq

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - NOVEMBER 22: Demonstrators wave a large flag in Tahrir Square on Nov. 22, 2019 in Baghdad, Iraq. Thousands of demonstrators have occupied Baghdad's center Tahrir Square since October 1, calling for government and policy reform. For many, Tahrir Square - which demonstrators are calling

Commentary Century International

Iraqi Shia Factions Are Supposedly “Anti-state.” But State Power Is What They Want.

An image of Muqtada al-Sadr projected on the Martyr's Monument in Baghdad, in a photo published on a Sadrist channel on Telegram on May 20, 2022.

Commentary Century International

The Sadrist Electoral Machine in Basra

NAJAF, IRAQ - DECEMBER 17: Iraqi soldiers try to control supporters of Iraq's Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari as they welcome him on December 17, 2005 in the holy Shiite city of Najaf, Iraq. Al-Jaafari arrived in Najaf on December 17 and visited Ayatollah al-Sistani and the firebrand Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. (Photo by Saad Serhan /Getty Images)

Commentary Century International

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani as Guide and Critic, 2014–23

Muslim religious man in Karbala with Shrine of Imam Hussein in background

Commentary Century International

Shia Clerics in Iraq Haven’t Lost Their Authority

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - NOVEMBER 24: Demonstrators gather on a barricade near Ahrar Bridge where there have been recent clashes between demonstrators and Iraq security forces on November 24, 2019 in Baghdad, Iraq. Thousands of demonstrators have occupied Baghdad's center Tahrir Square and central Baghdad since October 1, calling for government and policy reform. (Photo by Erin Trieb/Getty Images)

Commentary Century International

Shia Rule Is a Reality in Iraq. “Shia Politics” Needs a New Definition.