Graphic shows timeline and location of Iraq’s protests.
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العراق

احتجاجات العراق تهدد بإسقاط الحكومة

By Mike Tyler

October 8, 2019 - Iraq’s government is scrambling to contain a wave of unrest that has rocked Baghdad and a number of southern cities, as protesters demand jobs, better services and an end to endemic corruption in the oil-rich country

The unrest is the most serious challenge facing Iraq two years after the victory against Daesh militants. The chaos also comes at a critical time for the government, which has been caught in the middle of increasing U.S.-Iran tensions in the region. Iraq is allied with both countries and hosts thousands of U.S. troops, as well as powerful paramilitary forces allied with Iran.

The death toll after a week of unrest has reached 110 people, Reuters said on Monday. They were mostly protesters demanding the removal of the Iraqi government and overhaul of its political class, as security forces carried out a heavy-handed crackdown on demonstrators.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 08/10/2019; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press, Getty Images
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