Will Iraqi government’s reform pledges put an end to protests?

Shaimaa Hefzi

Six people were killed and more than 100 others were wounded on Saturday, Sky News reported, quoting security sources as saying.

The Iraqi protesters are continuing their demonstrations calling for improving the economic and social conditions of the country, which has suffered for many years worsening security situation.

The Iraqis rallied in Baghdad raising “their shoes”, in a sign of resentment, against Iran’s Supreme Guide.

For his part, Iraqi political analyst Wael al-Rakaby told Sky News that the country’s ruling political elite should meet the demands of peaceful demonstrations.

“These are legitimate demands,” he said.

The analyst believes that the Iraqi street has initiated amendments to the constitution.

Many Iraqi protesters blame Iran and its allies for the deadly violence that took place in Basra last year. They also blame Iran for the killing of protesters in early October when Iraqi security forces killed around 150 people in less than a week.

In a bid to rein in the protests, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi pledged a package of reforms, including salary cuts for senior officials. The prime minister also promised wage raise and introduce social insurance and other benefits to ensure social justice and combat poverty.

As for the Internet, Abdul-Mahdi said the service was cut off as it was used to promote “hate and violence” as he put it.