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Intel: What’s fueling Iraqi anger at the government

Iraqi protesters have returned to the street in force over the past five days for the second time since early October.
Universities students hold the Iraqi flag as they take part in a protest over corruption, lack of jobs, and poor services, in Kerbala, Iraq October 28, 2019. REUTERS/Abdullah Dhiaa al-Deeen     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1EFC6BF8F0

Iraqi protesters have returned to the street in force over the past five days for the second time since early October. Their calls for radical political change have rattled the government, sparking violent clashes with security forces and allied militias that have killed 74 people and injured almost 4,000 since Oct. 25, according to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights.

Why it matters: While the protesters lack official leaders or representatives to express their demands, their street slogans and social media statements point to certain key demands, including: amending the constitution to remove sectarianism from the Iraqi government; changing voting laws to guarantee impartial elections; demanding that the judicial system fight corruption promptly; and replacing the government with one that is able to provide jobs and services to citizens. Protesters also are angry at the Iraqi government’s susceptibility to foreign influence, particularly from Iran. Some are raising more fundamental requests such as placing Iraq under United Nations supervision or changing the parliamentary system back to the presidential form of government in place under Saddam Hussein.

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