By
David S. Cloud and Ghassan Adnan
BAGHDAD—Influential Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr declared Monday that he was quitting politics, setting off angry protests across the country and raising fears that the prolonged political crisis in the country could descend into violence.
Protesters loyal to Mr. Sadr stormed Iraq’s government palace in Baghdad’s government center, known as the Green Zone, after Mr. Sadr’s surprise statement on Twitter, where he declared his decision was final. Mr. Sadr’s supporters have occupied the grounds of the parliament in the Green Zone, also home to the U.S. Embassy, since last month, demanding new elections and an end to corruption.
