Tensions Escalate between Protesters, Security Forces

Still, referring to the protesters’ response to the potential future use of violence by security forces who have already used brutal actions to disperse the protests, Kaabi said, “The demonstrations will remain peaceful.”

Jassim al-Hilfi, a member of the high coordination committee, deplored “the security forces’ recent use of violence against protesters. The authorities think that violence can bring an end to protests. … But we believe that it cannot solve anything.”

He told Al-Monitor, “Imposing tighter security measures will only complicate the issue. The authorities’ use of violence would justify any recourse to it by the crowds who would then be convinced that their peaceful demonstration is ineffective.”

Hilfi said, “The country is already plunged in violence. … Violence is in nobody’s best interests. The government must be aware of the stakes and understand the people’s indignation.”

The Iraqi government must take the protesters’ demands into account and prevent any recourse to violence by the security forces in this wave of demonstrations, as that could open the door to further violence and counterviolence, dragging the country into the unknown.