What Does Al-Sadr’s Bid for Ayatollah Status Mean?

Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has announced that he is returning to his studies in the hopes of becoming an Ayatollah like his father before him. There are two schools of thought on this development:

1. This is a good thing. Al-Sadr wants to become a more contemplative religious scholar and retreat somewhat from political life and violent militia action.
2. This is a terrible thing. Ayatollah status will give Al-Sadr unprecedented political influence and make him too powerful.

Both things are likely true. It’s possible that further religious training will encourage al-Sadr to return to the political process with a greater eye to nuance and less violence. The bottom line is that anything that brings him closer to mainstream politics and away from sectarian violence is good for Iraqi and American interests.