Iraqis flood streets in support of Palestinians
A massive protest called by a popular cleric and a conference planned by a political alliance linked to Shiite armed factions bear witness to widespread Iraqi support for the Palestinian cause.
BAGHDAD — After Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and President Barham Salih met May 18 in Baghdad to discuss several issues, a statement was issued stressing that Iraq remains firm in its support for the Palestinian cause and called for international cooperation to stop the “inhuman” attacks on Palestinians by Israelis.
Much of the Iraqi public, whether Shiite or Sunni, pro-America or anti-America, seem to agree that the Israeli attacks on the Palestinians — which have left more than 200 dead and more than 1,000 wounded over 11 days — are a crime that Iraqi representatives should take a stand against.
On May 15, thousands thronged a square and nearby streets that have become widely associated since late 2019 with the monthslong protests that brought down the previous Iraqi government and in which hundreds were killed.
This time, however, the masses held aloft a variety of photos of popular firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and a giant Palestinian flag, chanting “No to Israel, no to America” and similar slogans to express rage at the latest Israeli attacks on Palestinian areas.
