An influential Iraqi Shiite cleric whose political coalition came in first in last year’s national
elections says he’s suspending participation in parliament activities until the government introduces a program that serves Iraqi aspirations.
The move comes after Iraq’s top Shiite authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, blamed lawmakers for failing to enact reforms and eradicate corruption.
Three Gulf Arab nations have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to
Iraq and those who are there to leave the country immediately.