ERBIL, Iraq—Populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s apparent political breakthrough in national elections is forcing the U.S. and Iran to confront the prospect that a frequent critic of both is poised to take the lead in selecting Iraq’s next premier. In a vote seen as a contest between the U.S. and Iran for influence in Iraq, Mr. Sadr’s strong showing in early, incomplete results scrambled the political landscape. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who had implicit American support, and Iran-aligned candidates lagged behind Mr. Sadr’s...

Source: Wall Street Journal May 14, 2018 14:03 UTC