Tensions Escalate between Protesters, Security Forces

Like other demonstrators his age, Haider expressed his indignation toward the government for failing to provide Iraqis with adequate services and job opportunities.

In fact, Haider represents a large section of Iraqi young people — 40% of the total population — who have grown frustrated with the situation in the country. Their anti-regime sentiment can be heard in the streets, in cafes and on public transportation.

They are part of the Iraqi community suffering from unemployment, poverty and inadequate services such as the delivery of electricity; power outages only add to the frustration with the government’s empty promises. Some say that such a state of despair could cause Haider and his peers to turn to violence as a last resort.

However, Rezan Shex Dler, a Kurdish member of the Iraqi parliament, doubted this, saying, “Protesters are highly unlikely to resort to violence.”

Dler, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), told Al-Monitor, “Protesters are keen on remaining peaceful.” He visited Tahrir Square in February to witness one of the demonstrations that have been ongoing since July 2015 and to listen to the people’s demands as a member of Iraq’s parliament. “The demonstrations are not likely to escalate,” he said.

The higher coordination committee organizing the protests, which includes secular Iraqis and Sadr followers, has already taken the decision to expand the rallies, announcing at a press conference June 6 that further demonstrations will be held after sunset during Ramadan on weekdays, in addition to those organized on Fridays.