In cities across Iraq, there is growing disenchantment and resentment at deteriorating living conditions and a declining economic climate, a downward spiral that seems to have no end in sight and a government and administration seemingly unable to halt it.
Last week, for example, dozens of demonstrators rallied near an oil field and in front of the local government in the southern province of Basra to protest lack of jobs and basic services. Elsewhere too, across the broken country, there were similar gatherings, expressions of frustration in a campaign that has grown from isolated pockets into a cohesive and communal movement, giving voice to the needs for a political fix and a turnaround to their dire financial situation.
Over the past months, the leadership and governments of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have committed tens of millions of dollars in funding to rebuild homes destroyed by Daesh, to reconstruct cities, to provide reliable power and water systems, to fix infrastructure broken from years of conflict, and to restore some of the historic landmarks of Iraq’s heritage cities back to their former glory.
Certainly, these efforts are helping, but there is duty for other nations to come to the aid of Iraqis. These nations must provide assistance in rebuilding and they have a duty to care for our Iraqi brothers and sisters who have endured so much in these past years. Now, more than ever, Iraqis need help to help themselves and put back together what has been ripped asunder by invaders, hatred and conflict.
What is important, too, is the demand of these protesters, who have gathered nationwide, that they must be heard by those in positions of administrative and government authority, and there needs to be an effective plan of action undertaken to end the misery that the economy has endured.
Certainly, putting Iraq back together will take time. What must not happen, however, is that the patience of Iraqis wears thin as they wait for a resurgence and revitalisation to take root and grow. There is a danger that as these protests become more commonplace and widespread, there are elements within who might be tempted once more to turn to violence as a way of advocating change. Given the events in Iraq and its recent history, there is no desire now for any more killing or violence as a means to a political or economic end. It will take time for the dividends of peace to make a difference.
