The Political Situation in Iraq in Light of Mass Protests
The Political Situation in Iraq in Light of Mass Protests

Author(s): Sara Nowacka
Subject(s): Civil Society, Government/Political systems, Politics and society, Studies in violence and power, Sociology of Politics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Iraq; political situation; mass protests; poor living conditions; demonstrations; violence; democracy;
Summary/Abstract: In October, mass protests over poor living conditions and Iran’s influence on the country’s internal policy erupted in Iraq. Brutal attempts to quell the demonstrations led to the escalation of violence. On 30 November, Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi resigned, which was one of the demands of the demonstrators supported by the prominent Shiite spiritual leader in Iraq Ali al-Sistani. The PM’s resignation, the proposal of reforms put forward by the president of Iraq, and the UN plan to stabilise the country backed by Sistani indicate the possibility of abolishing the model of consensual democracy prevailing in Iraq.

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