Iraqi protesters have now made sacrifices in large numbers to voice their dissent against the government and they still refuse to back down.
Iraq articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Iraq. Iraq is not a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, it "has conducted meaningful elections but political participation remains seriously impaired by sectarian violence". Also check out our section on World Democracy or our articles on the Middle East.
Protests in Iraq: What’s next for the Middle East Country?
How to support Iraq’s protesters while recognizing limits to government’s ability to handle demands? Washington Institute’s Michael Knights asks.
“The Kurds Were not in Normandy”: Distortion and Genocide in the Middle East
That Kurds were not in Normandy is a shameful distortion of truth. We abandoned our Kurdish allies for dubious motives, now they are facing genocide.
Countering Global Kleptocracy: Protests fueling new era of unrest
An interesting post looks at the resurgence of democracy protests. Using key examples, it highlights what protesters are doing to avoid conflict.
Iraq Protests: “Security Forces Use Excessive Force Despite Government Promises”
Iraqi security forces fired tear gas canisters into crowds, killing at least eight protesters, during demonstrations in Baghdad on October 25, 2019.
Advancing democracy – a resilient element of U.S. foreign policy?
Is democracy promotion a core element of America’s foreign policy identity? Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice believes so.
Several children have been barred from school in Iraq
The Iraqi government is denying thousands of children whose parents have a perceived Islamic State affiliation of their right to access an education
Protests Rage In Iraq’s Basra Calling For Provision Of Services, Jobs
Dozens of people demonstrated in Basra part of wide protests raging for months calling for provision of job opportunities for the unemployed citizens.
Thoughts On Trump Pardoning US Soldier Michael Behenna
My perspective is admittedly biased. I too was an officer serving in the U.S. Army, and I too served in Iraq. In 2004-2005, and again in 2010-2011.
Iran Hints at Using Foreign Militias in Domestic Crackdown
An influential Iranian cleric says Iran might bring Shiite militias to the country from other parts of the Middle East to fight threats to the government.