The Sadr II Movement: An Organizational Fight for Legitimacy within the Iraqi Shi'a Community.
Abstract
After the fall of Saddam Hussein, the Shi'a population in Iraq was overnight converted from disenfranchised minority to an emboldened majority. This rapid devolution of power within Iraq, created organizational conflict within the Shi'a community as leaders vied for authority. Within the Shi'a religious hierarchy an unexpected force emerged, Muqtada al-Sadr. Using social movement theory as a framework for analysis, I will examine the Sadr II movement in the context of political opportunity, organization, and the framing used to mobilize support. While Sunni-based insurgents and foreign elements led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi have contributed the predominance of violent actions against the Coalition, Muqtada al-Sadr represents the only named, public figure that stands in opposition to the Coalition and the emerging Iraqi government. While the August 2004 standoff in Najaf and the January 2005 elections produced setbacks for the Sadr II movement, the same mobilization structures and message that motivated his following remains as a potentially strong, violent opposition to a budding Iraqi democracy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA521548
Entities
People
- Timothy Haugh
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School