Citizens continue to risk their lives as they vent their anger over government corruption, lack of jobs, extreme poverty, and a destroyed infrastructure bombed out by the U.S. after its illegal and immoral 2003 invasion.
In addition to the 319 civilians killed since the government crackdown on street demonstrations that erupted in October, some 15,000 have been seriously injured.
In addition to deadly force on the streets, the government shut down the Internet in an unsuccessful attempt to quell the fervor of the protest movement.
Undeterred, anti-government protestors burned tires and set up barriers, continuing a week-long shutdown of the country’s main shipping port Um Qasr. The government reported that the interference at the port incurred costs of more than $6 billion.
Although Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi agreed to address helping the poor, create more jobs, and clean up corruption in his administration, protesters called for extended strikes and shutdowns of day-to-day business activities until the entire government resigns and a new, less corrupt one takes its place.
And, as in Beirut, tents are appearing on city streets where protesters camp out and plot strategies.