The fact that the highest religious authorities have supported the Prime Minister – saying that he should strike “with an iron fist” against corruption – is important, al-Taie explains. “This makes the political class more willing to listen to the people. And it will not create any kind of political symbol who could eventually become a new dictator.”
Politicians listening to protestors' calls to attack the Green Zone obviously understood the danger they were in. The immediate response of parliamentarians to the al-Abadi package of reforms, which they approved the following day, makes that obvious.
Optimistic observers believe that the current episode can only strengthen the political process in the country. Many MPs are saying that the political process in Iraq is stronger and more secure than it ever was before the protests began. Now, they say, it is important to wait and see what sacrifices the different political blocs are willing to make.
One thing is clear: This new found security for the democratic process has been achieved by a strange pairing, by the popular demonstrations, some of which were inspired by civil society activists, and by the religious authorities of the country. Together the two groups have added real weight and authority to Iraq's nascent democracy and they have also proved themselves heavier than some members of Iraq's political class, who would doubtless have tried to ignore the protestors' demands if they could have.
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