Protests in Iraq are “on hold” for the foreseeable future. Coronavirus closures and curfews are forcing people inside, effectively putting an end to demonstrations. The anti-government movement began in October and quickly became the largest uprising since Saddam Hussein’s fall in 2003.
Samuel with Redemptive Stories says Iraqis now have a bigger problem on their hands.
“Really, it’s like a crisis within another crisis. COVID has only exacerbated some of the already existing economic issues,” he says.
As described here, several factors contribute to Iraq’s perilous condition. The government has been operating in caretaker mode since December. Falling oil prices mean state revenue is down, and the coronavirus pandemic cut tourism income.
“We’re hearing reports [of] families [who] don’t have any food, so they’re relying on their neighbors and the kindness of others in order to provide.”
SOURCE: Mission Network News, Katey Hearth
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