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The Begining
Even though Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced that he would not run for a third term, hundreds of people gathered in major cities protesting. They demanded for a more effective approach to national security and an investigation into federal corruption, as well as government action towards making public services fair and accessible. -
Al-Kubaisi
Lt. Gen. Abdul-Aziz Al-Kubaisi resigned as the Director General at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. After, security forces arrested him. Al Kubaisi described the Iraqi government as corrupt and called on all officers also resign and join the demonstrators. Three officers responded to this call and announced their resignations. Uday Zaidi, who has previously organized protests, revealed that these officers have joined the demonstrations. Zaidi told reporters that the 37 personnel from the Ministr -
Day of Rage
Anger over corruption and terrible basic services by the government started this “day of rage” in Iraq. Many people have been killed and injured in fights with security as protesters attack government buildings. Protesters say education and health systems are bad, there is high unemployment, shortage of drinking water, and frequent power cuts. Shaltagh Abboud, Basra governor, is resigning after 18 people wounded in fights. -
Baghdad Protests
About 500 protesters have gathered at Liberation Square for Anti-government demonstrations. They are concentrated on improved services, better pay and an end to government corruption. Before the protests, Iraqi officials said supporters of the late dictator Saddam Hussein and al-Qaida backed them. -
Government-Backed Thugs
Pro-government thugs beat, stabbed, and molested protesters as they interrupted a peaceful protest in Baghdad. Witnesses said that security forces stood by and watched as this happened. During the attacks, four thugs identified themselves as Iraqi security forces. Two others showed their Interior Ministry police ID badges. -
Iraq Attacks
The deadliest attacks in Iraq, this year, have killed more than 70 people in 17 cities throughout the country. The worst happened in a market in Kut where two explosions killed 35 and injured more than 50. Two-suicide bomber killed three police in Tukrit. 22 people have been killed in several other cities. No one has claimed responsibility but Iraqi security officials blame Al Qaeda.
