Iraq: Protests at home amid regional diplomatic initiatives

Protests turn deadly: President Barham Salih called for “restraint and respect for the law” after security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters in Baghdad and a number of southern cities on 1 October. In the week of violence that followed– and continued as GSN went to press – at least 100 people were killed and several thousand were injured. “Our young Iraqi children are looking for reform and jobs, and our duty is to meet these legitimate entitlements,” Salih said.