Iraq reels in wake of political violence
Tension remains high in Iraq as leaders try to reassure the international community after dozens were killed.
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government held its second session of a national dialogue among Iraqi political parties on Sept. 5, called for by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and attended by all political parties except Sadrists.
The dialogue did not produce a clear outcome. Attendees only agreed to form a technical committee to seek political solutions, but no timeline has been set for forming the committee.
New videos were released over the last few days from last week’s violence showing young men fleeing gunfire amid the leafy green streets and palatial gates of the Green Zone, amid shouts blaming “the parties” and bloodied limbs. The videos continue to circulate amid festering concerns for Iraq’s stability.
Efforts are being made by the government to calm the two sides involved to avoid further bloodshed as well as mitigate repercussions from the violence on relations with countries both near and far, to avoid a halt in investment and any worsening of the country’s already dire economic situation.
