World | Muqtada al-Sadr Muqtada al-Sadr Returns to Iraq Anti-American cleric's political influence rising By Kevin Spak Posted Jan 6, 2011 11:33 AM CST Copied Supporters of anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr gather outside his home in the Shiite city of Najaf, Iraq, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Alaa al-Marjani) Muqtada al-Sadr—the radical Shiite cleric whose militia was involved in some of the bloodiest battles of the Iraq war—returned to Iraq today, after almost four years of self-imposed exile in Iran. Sadr finds himself with newfound political influence, after throwing his party’s weight behind Nouri al-Maliki, and his return raises questions about US influence in the country, the Washington Post reports. Many fear the anti-American cleric may return to using violence to assert his will. “That’s what everybody is holding their breath about,” says a former official says. But the State Department says it won’t oppose Sadr’s political rise. “What happens with him going forward is a matter for him and the government of Iraq,” a spokesman said. “It is not for us to be for or against any particular leader or party in Iraq.” Read These Next New Fox star, 23, misses first day after car troubles. Her blood isn't compatible with anyone else's. Man accused of killing his daughters might be dead. White House rolls with Trump's 'daddy' nickname. Report an error