Examining a Shiite Leader's Strength in Baghdad

Satellite imagery of protests in Baghdad lends insight into the considerable influence of a prominent figure in Iraqi politics: Muqtada al-Sadr. Over the past few months, the charismatic Shiite leader has called for demonstrations in the Iraqi capital against corruption in Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's government, which has been paralyzed by infighting among the country's Shiite factions. Given the protests' sizable turnout, it is clear that al-Sadr can bring significant pressure to bear on governing officials -- enough that Baghdad's foreign backers are growing wary of his intentions....