BAGHDAD — Thousands took to the streets in Iraq’s capital and across the south Sunday to protest against Iran’s kingmaking influence as the latest deadline for choosing a new prime minister loomed.
Anti-government rallies have rocked Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south since October 1, with demonstrators calling for a complete overhaul of a regime they deem corrupt, inefficient and overly beholden to Tehran.
“The revolution continues!” shouted one demonstrator at a protest encampment in central Diwaniyah.
Protesters blocked off public buildings one by one in the southern Iraqi city, and put up banners reading “The country is under construction — please excuse the disruption.”
Sunday marks the latest deadline — already pushed back twice by Iraqi President Barham Saleh — for parliament to choose a new premier to replace Adel Abdel Mahdi, who tendered his administration’s resignation last month.
Officials say Iran wants to install Qusay al-Suhail, who served as higher education minister in the government of Abdel Mahdi.
“But this is exactly what we oppose — Iranian control over our country,” said 24-year-old student Houeida, speaking to AFP in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the protests which was once again abuzz with the youthful energy of thousands. READ MORE
