Protests In Iraq’s Tahrir Square Continue

Protests in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square every Friday have ebbed and flowed. May 13, 2011 saw around 500 demonstrators show up voicing a number of concerns. Some called for better services, others for jobs. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s 100-day deadline for Iraq’s ministries to improve was also mentioned. A protester was photographed with a poster mocking the on-going dispute between Maliki and Iyad Allawi, which has held up the completion of the government fourteen months after national elections. Families came with pictures of relatives who had gone missing or were held by the government, calling for their release. Maliki’s carrot and stick approach of using the security forces, while making broad promises has deterred or cajoled may protesters lately. More could be on the way however as June 7 is when Maliki’s deadline for improved services will expire, and few believe anything will change.

Protester holds poster mocking the political dispute between Premier Maliki and Iyad Allawi (AP)

Family members holding pictures of relatives gone missing or held in detention (AP)

Protesters marching in Tahrir Square (AP)

Chanting slogans during protest in Baghdad (AP)

Chanting in Tahrir Square (AP)

SOURCES

Associated Press, “Families chant anti-government slogans,” 5/13/11
- “Hundreds of Iraqi protesters demand better services, jobs, reforms by June 7 deadline,” 5/13/11
- “Protester holds cartoon,” 5/13/11