Muqtada al-Sadr's Power Grab

Middle East Online has an interesting read on Muqtada al-Sadr's plan to become an ayatollah,

The bad boy of Iraqi politics is going back to school. Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of Iraq's largest Shiite militia, is studying to become an ayatollah. It might seem like a minor development within Iraq's notoriously insular Shiite politics, especially against the backdrop of daily bloodshed. But Sadr's decision has enormous implications for Iraqis and the United States.

It is well known that Sadr is opposed to a US presence in Iraq. His militia is known to have death squads which forced many Sunnis from their home and many of his followers have infiltrated Iraqi Security Forces. In addition, Maliki owes his Prime Ministership to Sadr as he gave Maliki his 30 seat vote to prevent Hakim from instilling his own people in the government. Politically, he is very strong and now,

Sadr is working to enhance his political influence, claiming the heavenly mandate that comes out of being an ayatollah. The disobedient child is on his way to becoming a master teacher -- and an even more formidable kingmaker in Iraq.

Given his anti-American rhetoric and actions, the US really needs to watch Sadr.