Why Do People in Resource-Rich Iraq Protest?

Mar 3, 2019 | Nazli Tarzi
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There appears to be little agreement among spectators over the motives and demands driving Iraq’s protest movement, which has grown in since late 2011. What isn’t in dispute is that protest activities are a permanent feature of the Iraqi political landscape and it seems that Iraq is not alone.

Resource-rich Algeria was gripped by similar trends after its population took to the streets in reaction to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s announced intention to run for a fifth term in upcoming elections. The space for political dissent is widening in countries whose revenues rely on income generated through oil and gas.