The past month of nationwide protests has brought Iraq to a standstill (MEES, 4 October). Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi has offered to resign and dissolve government pending agreement on a successor – no simple matter – whilst the death toll climbs near 300 as demonstrators clash with heavy-handed security forces. Promised reforms continue to do little to assure public grievances.
As chaos continues to embroil cities nationwide, the effects on the economy and oil sector are increasingly apparent. (CONTINUED - 818 WORDS)
