This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
As the protests in Iraq continue to grow, the country's politicians are being criticized for their handling of the situation. The Parliament has met only a few times to discuss legislation that might address the protesters' demands, with many politicians hoping that the protests will eventually subside.
However, the protesters are not going away. In fact, the use of force by security forces to try to suppress the protests has only seemed to fuel the flames, with tens of thousands more people joining the demonstrations in recent weeks.
According to a government investigation, nearly 150 protesters died in the first week of October, with a vast majority being shot to death. Over 5,500 people, including more than 1,000 members of the security forces, were also wounded.
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has been criticized for his handling of the situation, with many accusing him of allowing security forces to use excessive force. However, he has also taken steps to improve the lives of Iraqis, including expanding the electricity supply and improving relations with the country's Kurds.
Despite these efforts, the prime minister remains a weak leader who owes his position to a political deal crafted largely by Iran. This has led to concerns that the country's government is still heavily influenced by Iran, with Iranian-linked parties dominating several key ministries.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the protesters will be able to achieve their demands and bring about meaningful change in Iraq.
