The revolution is calling, and this time it demands to speak to the people of Iraq.
Over the past few weeks, mass protests have erupted in Iraq–primarily in Baghdad and Southern Iraq–with civilians demanding an end to corruption, more jobs, and better public services.
The first wave of protests saw approximately 150 civilians killed; since then the death toll has increased to around 300, marking a tumultuous point for Iraqi civilians.
WHAT SPARKED THE PROTESTS?
The genesis of the protests was outrage at then current Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s unkept promises of reform. Protesters started demanding that Mahdi provide feasible means of ending the high unemployment rates and endless corruption that has become a norm within the bureaucratic structures of the Iraqi government.
Iraqis have become particularly hostile towards the government’s method of appointing politicians. According to them, these appointments are not made based on merit, but rather sectarian quotas. This has in effect, ‘allowed Shia, Kurdish, Sunni and other leaders to abuse public funds, enrich themselves and pillage the country of its wealth’. It is important to note that whilst sectarian tensions still exist, Iraqi protesters have attempted to place the entire focus on Iraqis worsening economic conditions and the collective indifference towards the political class.
Quite frankly, Iraqis are tired of hearing empty promises of reform and justice being made to silence the masses. The country’s population is living in alarming conditions, with poor infrastructure and war-damaged cities being inadequately dealt with by the current government in power.
GROWING ANTI-GOVERNMENT SENTIMENTS
The protests have further escalated due to the accusation that the political system established after a US-led invasion that effectively toppled Saddam Hussein’s leadership has ultimately ‘failed’ the people of Iraq. They now demand that matters be taken into the citizens hands. Whilst Iraq may be free from the previous US invasions, sanctions, sectarian civil wars and foreign occupation, it is now facing the aftermath of a heavily destabilised economy.
It is said that the protests have reached a ‘boiling point’, as protesters have accused Iran-backed politicians of controlling too much of the state’s wealth and economy. The protesters demand freedom from the culture of corruption that saw a prominent rise during Saddam Hussein’s regime, and which then continued through the U.S. occupation and subsequent withdrawal.
WHAT IS NEXT?
These protests mark a dangerous point for the people of Iraq. This is because political figures perceive the protesters to be a threat to public security. Death tolls could rise to an all-time high because the leaders have now turned to violence to target the protesters in an attempt to muzzle political dissent.
Will Iraqi politicians crack under the pressure of the Iraqi citizens, or will Iraqis fall into another wave of protests and demonstrations in the hopes of a better future? At least one politician is now out: Prime Minister Mahdi resigned on December 1, 2019, and his government promised only to stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government has been formed. Protests continue in the meantime.
Amara is in her final year of a Bachelors of Laws and Communication majoring in Social and Political Sciences at the University of Technology, Sydney. She is incredibly passionate about human rights and social justice and intends to pursue a career in international human rights law in the near future.