Ripe for revolution? Iraq street protests defy political status quo

France 24

By: François PICARD Follow | Alessandro XENOS 45 min

One month on, and there's no let-up in Iraq's unprecedented anti-government protests. In fact, they may be entering a new phase. At least five people were killed as security forces fired live rounds on demonstrators in the capital, demonstrators who were marching on state television. They say now is not the time to be airing nature documentaries when the country is up in arms. They are sick of the whole system, with its sectarian power-sharing enshrined in the constitution after the 2003 US-led invasion.

Advertising It's a nice idea on paper, but it has the effect of freeing from accountability those who've mismanaged reconstruction and the nation's vast oil wealth. The demonstrators want electoral reform. Can they get it? Who's in favour of keeping the status quo? This Monday, protesters attacked the Iranian consulate in Kerbala. Iran denounces foreign meddling and the manipulation of protesters. Does the current movement pose a threat to Tehran? Like with Lebanon, where does it leave the Iranian regime's narrative of siding with the downtrodden? Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Juliette Laurain and Ingri Bergo. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app google-play-badge_EN