Iraq this week entered its second week of ferocious country-wide protests. Over 100 protesters have been killed. Whilst initially centered on the dismissal of a popular general (MEES, 4 October), themes quickly reverted back to the same ones demonstrators have been highlighting for years: high unemployment, rampant corruption and poor government services. All of these look worse in the light of Iraq’s hefty oil revenues (MEES, 4 October), which seemingly have little impact on day-to-day life.
The demonstrations took place across several cities including Baghdad, Nasiriya, and other majority Shiite areas in central and southern Iraq. Previously Islamic State-held areas of northern Iraq (including Mosul) avoided unrest. (CONTINUED - 752 WORDS)
