Publication

This paper examines state and development of Muqtada al-Sadr's political and paramilitary movement in relation to the dramatic decline in bloodshed in Iraq. It looks at the Sadrists' involvement in the Iraqi civil war with a focus on territory, the police and the business of violence. Subsequently, it identifies reasons for the Sadrists' loss in power and influence and assesses the sustainability of the ceasefire announced by al-Sadr in August 2007. It is argued that every effort should be made to encourage the Sadrists to become a legitimate and non-violent political actor.