Skip to main content

What do Iraqis want from their leaders?

What do Iraqis look for in a leader? Unsurprisingly, security, low corruption and development top many people's lists.
Iraqi Shi'ite youths smoke water pipes at an outdoor cafe in Sadr City in Baghdad April 29, 2014. Iraq is now gripped by its worst violence since the heights of its 2005-2008 sectarian war, and Sunni Islamist insurgents who target Shi'ites have been regaining ground in the country over the past year. But despite the instability, daily life continues in poor Shi'ite neighbourhoods of Baghdad such as Al-Fdhiliya and Sadr City - a sprawling slum marred by poor infrastructure and overcrowding.  REUTERS/Ahmed Ja
Read in 

In a popular cafe in the jewelry souk (market) in central Babel (100 kilometers, or about 62 miles south of Baghdad), which is visited by all sorts of workers, the walls are filled with pictures of political events and Iraqi leaders.

When the late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein ruled, Abu Muneer, the owner of the cafe, was forced to post the leader’s picture, just like many other Iraqis.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.