Wire services are reporting that hundreds of thousands of followers of Muqtada al-Sadr are rallying in Sadr City in support of Hizbullah. Several chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” and are declaring their willingness to be martyred. Sadr taps an important segment of the Iraqi population that can’t be ignored. He is a successful populist and, after years of extreme rhetoric and maximalist parties, Iraqis are susceptible to populism. Still, it would be wrong to believe that such protests are spontaneous. Who organized the buses bringing protestors north? Who paid for them? Who put out word to ensure safe-passage along some of Iraq’s more dangerous roads? It may be useful to check out Nimrod Raphaeli’s analysis of Muqtada al-Sadr. The article is here. Of special interest would be the “Hidden Hand” section which details Muqtada’s financing. Iran contributes $80 million per month to his cause. Cause and effect? We’re seeing it now.