Iraq is once again embroiled in chaos as a powerful Shia leader Muqtada al Sadr announced he plans to resign from political life after months of attempting to prevent an Iran-aligned government from forming in the country.
Following a months long sit-in in the country’s parliament building by Sadrist party members and supporters after the party was unable to form a government despite winning most seats in parliament, Sadr used his final speech today to attack those he framed as responsible for the stark situation in the country.
Influential Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr has announced that he is quitting politics, in a move that could further inflame tensions in the country.
Al Jazeera’s @Mahmud81 reports LIVE from Iraq ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/y5n1mGKqDd
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 29, 2022
After his remarks were posted online, his supporters apparently upped their ferocity.
Videos of protesters storming the country’s presidential palace have surfaced on social media, and the spike in violence led officials at the U.S. Embassy to Iraq to evacuate to the country’s “green zone” to avoid becoming casualties.
The US embassy employees have been evacuated from the #Green_Zone by the helicopter.#Baghdad, #Iraq pic.twitter.com/HLZerzb0ja
— خالد اسكيف (@khalediskef) August 29, 2022
Riots inside the Presidential Palace. #Iraq #Baghdad pic.twitter.com/RxAfPffOKm
— Tammuz Intel (@Tammuz_Intel) August 29, 2022
At least five have died so far today in clashes between pro-government government forces and protesters, and 15 more have been wounded. Earlier today the Iraqi military ordered a nationwide curfew, to be enforced until further notice.
Iraq has been without a prime minister and president for almost a full year as political chaos has gripped the country.
#Iraq's Presidential palace, moments ago. pic.twitter.com/eZG5oZIu56
— AbuAliEnglish (@AbuAliEnglishB1) August 29, 2022
Last month, Valiant News reported that at least 125 people had been injured in the fighting as part of Sadr’s bid to prevent an Iran-aligned government from forming in the country.
In the United States, Joe Biden may find his hands tied should a pro-Iran government form. His government continues to negotiate with Iran in an attempt to create a nuclear agreement that satisfies Congressional Democrats, their media allies, and the repressive Muslim government in Iran.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region continue to rise.
Over the weekend, the government of Israel was apparently unable to reach Biden while the American president was vacationing. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid apparently wanted to reach Biden to discuss developments in Iran, and is now pushing for a meeting with his American counterpart to discuss the United States’ forthcoming nuclear deal with Iran.
“This is a bad deal,” said Yapid in a meeting of the Yesh Atid party, according to Fox News.
It’s being reported that Israel may be preparing to invade Iran.
