Spencer Ackerman’s series on the rise of the counterinsurgents continues today with a fascinating piece on Iraq’s powerful political figure, Moqtada Sadr. Sadr rose to power as heir to a Shiite clerical line, but Spencer explains the key to Sadr’s success is more than nepotism.  Sadr is an insurgent leader who has tactically embraced counterinsurgency methods, building loyalty through military strategy complimented by a blend of “appealing political and economic strategy.”