| Protests in Iraq that began in late-October have continued with earnest. Following a week of increased tension, Iraqi’s Parliament accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mahdi on Sunday. Since October, anti-Government protests have increased across central and southern Iraq. Despite taking place in Shi’a communities, the protests are not partisan in nature. The demonstrators—most of whom grew up in the post-Saddam era—are railing against corruption, lack of services, unemployment, and the muhasasa ta’ifia (sectarian quota) system of the Federal Government, which has led to rampant corruption, graft, poor public services, and high unemployment. Because Tehran is seen as a key beneficiary of the current system, and thus perceived by many protesters as a standing in the way of positive reforms that could lead to more efficient and equitable Iraqi,, the protests have taken on a strong anti-Iran tone.
On Thursday, protesters torched the Iranian Consulate in Najaf. Security forces responded by killing dozens of protesters, underscoring Prime Minister Mahdi’s inability to contain the security forces. Influential Shi’a clerics called for the resignation of Mahdi and he acquiesced. Spokes person, Saad al-Hadithi, said the caretaker Government would continue for 30 days until a new Government Cabinet is formed. Under the constitution, President Barham Salih has fifteen days to nominate a new candidate for the position of prime minister. It is expected that Iraqi politics will be even less effective while a new prime minister is selected and attempt to form a new governing coalition occurs. In the meantime, important reforms or meaningful legislation will be stalled. According to protesters, even if the Government resigns the protests will continue until the constitution is changed, jobs are created, services restored, financial support to the victims of the protests now estimated at in excess of 400 people killed and approximately 17,000 injured, and freedom from foreign interference in Iraq affairs (political and physical) is realised. Humanitarian Advisors expected that over the next month protests will continue, along with counter-protest violence. Thus far, violence has remained confined to protest areas, and those wishing to stay apart know the areas to avoid. As such, there has been no displacement. Humanitarian Advisors are however concerned about the significant and negative impact that inefficient government will have on much needed development and peace building activities. |
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