Many factors could underlie the recent turn of events in Iraq's capital. For one, al-Abadi could have lost control over his country's security forces, though there is little evidence to corroborate this theory. While it is true that the prime minister faces significant political pressure from both inside and outside Iraq, he seems to maintain authority over the country's institutions, including the security establishment. Of course, al-Sadr does not want for sympathizers in Baghdad. His demands for a more technocratic government and for the removal of the country's highest officials have garnered support throughout Iraq. It is therefore possible, albeit unlikely, that security personnel guarding the Green Zone refused to use force to restrain the peaceful protesters. A more probable explanation, however, is that al-Abadi allowed al-Sadr's supporters through the barricade out of concern over the political repercussions of clashes between protesters and security forces.