(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - A mixture of euphoria and cautious hope greeted anti-US Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Thursday, a day after his return to Iraq from exile, and many Iraqis looked to him to help stabilize their war-torn country.
Hundreds of Sadr’s followers in the holy Shiite city of Najaf celebrated his homecoming from Iran, and the possible transformation into a mainstream politician.
Sadr, who led two uprisings against US forces after the 2003 invasion, cemented his movement’s position in the new coalition government after playing a crucial role in putting Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki back in power for a second term.
His return was possible also because of declining US clout ahead of a full military withdrawal by the end of this year.
In Baghdad’s sprawling Shiite slum of Sadr City, a Sadr stronghold, many rejoiced.
“We Iraqis are delighted at the return of Sayyed and leader Moqtada al-Sadr, above all because he is now part of the political process,” said Sadr City resident Salih al-Daraji, giving Sadr the title accorded in the Islamic world to descendants of the Prophet Mohammad.
“The Sayyed does not differentiate between Sunnis and Shiites or Christians; all Iraqis are equals.”
Sadr, who met some tribal leaders on Thursday, chastised his followers for the jubilant welcome he received on Wednesday, saying it could hurt his reputation.
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