Pro-Iran events fizzle as Iraqis steer clear of regional drama
Iraqis are making it clear that they want no part in the regional conflict surrounding Iran while their leaders offer mediation to avoid war.
International Quds Day received little attention from Iraqis this year. The protest in Baghdad was very quiet in contrast to previous years, attracting only a group of pro-Iranian Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) forces and a few politicians and tribal leaders. The PMU also organized a demonstration in the mostly Sunni city of Mosul, the first Quds demonstration organized there. Very few residents attended.
Iran made great efforts to promote the demonstrations this year to show the region's objection to the US Palestinian-Israel peace deal that is expected to be announced soon.
The pro-Iranian PMU heads the Quds Day observances in Iraq, raising the Iranian flag and photos of Iranian leaders, to objections by Iraqis over social media. Activist Mustafa Naser explained on Facebook that the Quds protest has become a venue for highlighting Iran influence and expansion to its rivals.
On May 25, a few days ahead of the demonstrations, thousands of Iraqis protested in Baghdad, Basra and other cities, demanding Iraq keep out of the conflict between Iran and the United States. At the protests, organized by Sadrist movement at the request of leader Muqtada Sadr. Protesters raised national slogans and criticized attempts to pull Iraq into the conflict.
