Shiite cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, was a central figure after the 2003 U.S.-led war with Iraq. He became the spiritual leader of a Shiite resurgence after Saddam Hussein’s toppling and as Shiites assumed power, al-Sadr also became a powerful political figure. 

Current political gridlock, brought on by accusations of corruption by al-Sadr and his supporters, has brought the country to a crisis point. 

A recent trip by al-Sadr to Iran, leaves many speculating if he’s looking for Tehran to help resolve the stalemate. 

We talk about the impasse with Laith Saud, visiting assistant professor of Religious Studies at DePaul University. He co-authored the book, An Introduction to Islam in the 21st Century