Iraq’s top Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called on his supporters, including tribal leaders and paramilitary forces, to join thousands of others who are now occupying the nation’s parliament to prevent the formation of a new government.
“This is a great chance for radical change to the political system,” he tweeted on Sunday, the day after thousands of supporters stormed the nation’s seat of power, injuring more than 100 people. “Don’t miss your chance.”
The weekend’s turmoil intensified the political standoff in Iraq, which has pitted Sadr against other Shiite groups in a power struggle. It presents a fresh test to a deeply fragile nation, which endured years of American occupation, attack by extremist Sunni forces and other sectarian violence.
