Abdul Mahdi is selling Iraqis’ dreams to Iran

▶ With protesters undeterred by state violence and an inflexible government, there is a stalemate

The violence against protesters in Iraq has now reached tragic heights. In six weeks of demonstrations, more than 300 people have been killed and 15,000 more have been injured, according to the Independent High Commission for Human Rights of Iraq.

Those on the streets are protesting against unemployment, poor basic services, corruption and an inefficient political elite, puppeteered by Iran. Demonstrators have called for prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to step down and for an overhaul of the sectarian-based political system. But their demands have been met with repression at home and indifference abroad. Security forces and state-sponsored militias have used live ammunition and snipers to kill civilians and fatally shot protesters with tear-gas canisters. Mr Abdul Mahdi has promised that those operating outside of the law will be prosecuted, but his vague statement is of no comfort to those still being killed and injured by his very own government.

Instead of engaging in a peaceful dialogue with protesters, the government has extended its crackdown on Iraqis’ rights. In addition to the use of violence, authorities have resorted to censorship, blocking the transmission of a satirical TV show and limiting access to the internet.

But these desperate attempts to quash dissent only succeeded in highlighting the failures of the Iraqi state and its inability to look after the very people it is supposed to protect. Protesters are undeterred by the bloodshed and the Iraqi government unwilling to change its ways, leading the country into an impasse.

While the responsibility for the situation lies with the Iraqi state, repression and corruption has been empowered by Iran’s interference in the country’s affairs, which protesters have risen up against. There are reports that the Popular Mobilisation Front, an umbrella of mostly Iran-backed militia who once helped liberate Iraq from ISIS but now act as Iranian proxies, took part in the crackdown. Their political wing has also played a role in the stalemate between protesters and the government. When demonstrations first erupted, Shiite parties were divided. Moqtada Al Sadr, who heads Sairoun, the largest coalition in Parliament, backed the protesters. Mr Al Sadr had sought to convince Hadi Al Amiri of the Fatah Alliance, a coalition representing the PMF that is also the second largest in Parliament, to join forces with him.

But now, both groups seem to have rallied around the Iran-aligned premier after a series of meetings led by Qassem Suleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, a unit that provides support for Iran’s proxies and allies. This leaves protesters deprived of representation from the very parliament they voted for, as the IRGC decides their fate behind closed doors.

The people of Iraq have every right to demand a better life. This goal is not out of reach, nor is it too much to ask. It is the responsibility of Mr Abdul Mahdi and his government to stand up for their people, end the bloodshed and prevent the hopes and dreams of Iraqis being sold out to Tehran’s powerlust or corrupt officials.