Since the beginning of October 2019, widespread unrest has engulfed Baghdad with thousands of demonstrators protesting the regime due to a high unemployment rate, the lack of services, and rampant corruption.
Following the Arab uprisings in 2011, many Middle Eastern states have faced massive public protests aiming to change the political system towards democracy. While several countries were dragged into civil wars and political instability, some countries such as Lebanon, Algeria, Iran and Iraq are still witnessing the same process. Particularly, demonstrations in Iraq have become a significant issue. Since the beginning of October 2019, widespread unrest has engulfed Baghdad with thousands of demonstrators protesting the regime due to a high unemployment rate, the lack of services, and rampant corruption. This policy outlook aims to analyse the core issues behind the protests, the people’s demands and the level of participation from an empirical perspective. Considering the significance of Iraq’s position in the Middle East, this study examines the responses of regional and international powers. Last but not least, this policy outlook assesses possible scenarios that can result from the recent demonstrations with respect to Iraq’s future.
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