Power struggle among Iraq's Shiite Muslims
The political crisis in Iraq has been going on for months. In Baghdad this week, supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr clashed with security forces and other militia groups.
Sticks and stones...
The Green Zone became a battleground. Militias allied with influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr set up a protest camp outside and later breached the barriers.
All night long
Shiite fighters and Iraqi security forces engaged in firefights most of Monday night. On Tuesday afternoon, al-Sadr called on his supporters to go home. They did as he asked.
Charismatic leader
The unrest was triggered by al-Sadr's announcement that he would retire from politics. His political movement was the most popular force in Iraq's October parliamentary election but had been unable to form a government. Al-Sadr - once an ally, now a fierce critic, of Iran - refused to cooperate with parties loyal to Iran.
Presidential pool
On Monday, thousands of al-Sadr's supporters stormed the Green Zone and occupied government buildings. Some went swimming in pools normally reserved for political VIPs.
Curfew calm
A curfew was in place in Iraq from Monday evening. Locals reported long queues for petrol and bread before the shops were forced to close.
Victims of the power struggle
A young man mourns during a ceremony for one of the victims of the fighting. At least 30 people were killed. Since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iraq has been governed according to a confessional proportional representation system. Howeverthis system has become problematic, as internal divisions have started in the different demographic groups.