preventing a violent political collapse in Iraq

Violent demonstrations this week in the capital of Iraq have exposed the dismal, on the verge of collapsing status of the nation’s politics and society.

There are at least 30 fatalities. In and around Baghdad’s Green Zone, a high-security region that includes foreign embassies and, most importantly, state structures and institutions, were the scene of the heaviest fighting.
On Tuesday, all provinces had a suspension of regular business hours. Emirates and Flydubai both cancelled flights to and from Baghdad due to Iran’s closure of the country’s land border with Iraq. A US diplomat contradicted earlier allegations that the State Department was evacuating its embassy on Monday, illustrating the disarray.

All of them indicate how serious the problem is. It’s critical to keep in mind that things could deteriorate to the point where there would be no turning back. That threat has been neutralised for now. Fear of escalating violence should induce compromise on all sides’ agendas. Mustafa Al Kadhimi, the prime minister of Iraq, is urging “control.” He has experience guiding his nation through trying circumstances, and at this crucial time, he deserves to be heard and supported.

Echoes of the recent past can be heard. 2019 saw hundreds of deaths from anti-government protests. However, this time, a government is not the main issue; rather, there is a lack of consensus over the next government. A political impasse that has been made worse by Iranian meddling has prevented parties from forming an administration since October 2021.
The negative repercussions of this vacuum worsen daily, destroying public confidence, eroding governmental institutions, and making it impossible to handle Iraq’s enormous problems, from the sputtering economy to environmental deterioration.

Additionally, it implies that the nation is wasting its potential. Iraq, with its enormous reserves, should be strategically capitalising on the current high oil prices. And while each day of ambiguity goes by, young people’s life in the nation are placed on wait. Therefore, a long-standing resentment is the cause of the recent surge of violence. However, the sudden exit from politics of populist Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr served as the catalyst. He claims that he left in protest at the nation’s political impasse. Ironically, Mr. Sadr’s decision to leave politics couldn’t have been more ideological. His supporters make up a sizable group and have recently occupied the Green Zone and the parliament. But his inaction won’t help to break this impasse.
However, he did issue a withdrawal request to his followers yesterday, stating that “Iraqi blood is banned and you have 60 minutes to leave the parliament and the Green Zone.” His cries were unanswered.

However, he did issue a withdrawal request to his followers yesterday, stating that “Iraqi blood is banned and you have 60 minutes to leave the parliament and the Green Zone.” His cries were unanswered.

One thing is certain in the face of so many unknowns: the political system of the nation is in danger of collapsing completely. It requires saving and reforming. Furthermore, strong leaders need to see past partisan boundaries. Iraq is a varied nation, yet there is widespread agreement that the majority of officials are betraying the people by scheming, conspiring, and playing politics rather than reaching a compromise. The treatment of young Iraqis, who desire stability far more than identity politics, is particularly reprehensible. Iraq may be heading in a very disastrous direction if politicians do not start to see it.