Thread by @natiqmalikzada

A basic explanation on why the situation in #Iraq suddenly became so tense — follow this THREAD 🧵

Following the resignation of Ayatollah Haeri from the position of Marja al Taqlid, Moqtada al-Sadr, an Iraqi Shia cleric, announced on Monday that he will leave politics forever.1️⃣

Marja al Taqlid is a title given to the highest ranking #Shia clerics. A person with title would have the authority to make legal decisions within the confines of Islamic law for followers and lower-ranking clerics. 2️⃣

Ayatollah Haeri, today after announcing that he will no longer continuing to be a Marja al Taqlid, he invited Iraqi Shias to follow and obey Ali Khamenei. He described the leader of #Iran as "the most worthy person to lead the Islamic world". 3️⃣

With this news, Moqtada al Sadr, who is a politician opposed to Iran, wrote on Twitter: "I have decided not to interfere in political affairs anymore." Therefore, I announce my withdrawal from all political affairs." 4️⃣

It must be said, initially, Moqtada al Sadr himself was a person close to Iran as well. But in recent years, following the branching of Shia movements, he has become one of Iran's opponents. 5️⃣

It should also be said that it has been about a month that Iraq has entered an unprecedented period of political crisis. A month ago, all representatives affiliated with the al Sadr party resigned from parliament. Since then, supporters and politicians of Moqtada al-Sadr's ... 6️⃣

... party want to dissolve the parliament.

Today, after the news of Moqtada al-Sadr's resignation from politics, his supporters have started protest and entered the presidential building today. 7️⃣

Now the demonstration has turned into an armed conflict between supporters and opponents of Moqtada al-Sadr. Moqtada al-Sadr's supporters are mostly those who oppose Iran's influence in Iran. 8️⃣

Now the president and the prime minister of Iraq have been transferred to an undisclosed place.

Also, the American embassy has evacuated all its employees. 9️⃣

Day 2 — and clashes are still going on in #Baghdad’s Green Zone between supporters of Moqtada al Sadr & Iraqi security forces.
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Iraqi army tanks and armored vehicles advance toward #Baghdad’s GreenZone.

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Update:
Muqtada Al Sadr called on the protesters to stop their protests and to leave from the streets in 60 minutes.

#Baghdad #Iraq

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Moqtadi al Sadr's supporters are withdrawing from the #Baghdad Green Zone, after Moqtadi Sadr's speech a few minutes ago, in which he asked his supporters to end the protests. In his speech, Moqtada al Sadr apologized to the people of #Iraq.

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30 people have been killed during the clashes/protests in #Baghdad, #Iraq today and yesterday. 26 of the dead were supporters of Moqtadi al Sadr.

Also, 120 Iraqi police and army officers have been injured in the meantime.

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