Shia clerics and movements in Iraq tend to use four main instruments in acquiring legitimacy from the Shia population. These are the provision of security, the provision of basic needs, the...Show moreShia clerics and movements in Iraq tend to use four main instruments in acquiring legitimacy from the Shia population. These are the provision of security, the provision of basic needs, the establishment of religious networks, and the establishment of legal networks. By focusing on the two dominant current Shia Iraqi leaders Muqtada al-Sadr and Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani from 2003 to 2008, it becomes clear how they have been using those instruments successfully. The main reason for their success can be ascribed by their ability to replace the tasks of the Iraqi state. The Iraqi state failed to provide its citizens the needs they hardly needed, mainly regarding to the basic security and social needs.Show less
