Nobody now doubts who is the most powerful Shiite leader.

Most Shiite leaders say they will not seek such a timetable.

He was expected to call on Shiite religious leaders to ask them to intercede.

Many demonstrators demanded a central role for Shiite religious leaders in a new government.

Witnesses said five people had been killed; the police reported one death and arrested at least two Shiite leaders.

Shiite political leaders often point to such attacks, arguing that they, not the American military, should control security here.

But the Shiite leaders who made the new demands acknowledged his influence.

The more moderate Shiite leaders may also just lack the political will and authority to act.

The Shiite leaders who control the government rely on militias to stay in power.

Even some Shiite leaders are now calling on him to step aside.