Protests still going strong in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq—Thousands continue to gather in Baghdad, Iraq to protest the U.S. military
presence in the capital city. More prevalent since the U.S.-Iran tensions began to escalate,
protests have resulted in Iraqi security forces continuing to clash with protestors.
As of Jan. 26., 12 people were killed and 230 others were injured over the past three days,
according to CNN.
The protests, which have largely been looked on favorably by Shia cleric and populist preacher
Muqtata al-Sadr, have been ongoing since October. However, CNN reported that on Jan. 24, al-
Sadr announced he would no longer be supportive of the protests.
The protests escalated after Muqata al-Sadr rescinded his support, probably due to political
reasons.
“Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi condemned the rocket attack that targeted the U.S.
Embassy. In a statement, he asserted Iraq’s commitment to ‘protecting all diplomatic missions,’”
according to the Associated Press.
CNN reported that protesters have been waving Iraqi flags and carrying signs that say, “No, no to
occupation!”
Tensions over the U.S. presence in Iraq have worsened since the assassination of Iranian General
Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on Jan. 3 by U.S. airstrike.
According to the Los Angeles Times, “The mass protests started in October over widespread
government corruption and lack of public services and jobs. They quickly grew into calls for
sweeping changes to Iraq’s political system that was imposed after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.”
Protests continue to become more violent as the days go on, as security forces crack down on
protestors with gas and torch their sit-in tents, reported the LA Times.
With the unease over U.S. presence in Iraq, it is unclear when the protests will die down.