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Why Iran protests matter for Iraqis

The Iranian protests could have an impact elsewhere in the region, potentially weakening Iraqi Shiite parties loyalty to Tehran.
TOPSHOT - An Iranian woman raises her fist amid the smoke of tear gas at the University of Tehran during a protest driven by anger over economic problems, in the capital Tehran on December 30, 2017.
Students protested in a third day of demonstrations sparked by anger over Iran's economic problems, videos on social media showed, but were outnumbered by counter-demonstrators. / AFP PHOTO / STR        (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)

In light of Iran’s growing influence in the region, the Iranian protests are no longer seen as a domestic affair. What is happening will have repercussions on Iran’s allies and its rivals, especially in countries like Iraq, where Iran is engaged in a power struggle with rivals.

While these protests have put pro-Iranian Shiite parties in a critical position, they have created a glimmer of hope for those who are dissatisfied with Iran’s role in Iraq, especially Sunnis and Kurds.

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