Iraqi demonstrators in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square chanted slogans against the Iranian regime and held placards demanding the prosecution of former Iraqi prime minister and dismissed vice president Nouri Maliki, and also demanded measures to prevent Iran’s meddling in Iraq, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday, August 22nd.

The demonstrators see a connection between Maliki’s prosecution and an end to Iran’s meddling in Iraq. It has been nearly a month since thousands of Iraqis in the country’s central and southern provinces have poured into the streets demanding a serious fight against corruption and providing fundamental services for all Iraqis, and of course the prosecution of corrupt officials.

Cries for change are becoming louder and louder, with many also demanding Maliki’s prosecution. He ruled Iraq for eight years by relying on a policy of sectarianism, plunging this country into corruption and internal clashes. Maliki ruled as Iran’s proxy in Iraq and is held responsible by the demonstrators and even various senior religious leaders in this country as the man responsible for the country’s dire conditions.
The Iraqi people are also furious over Iran’s meddling in their country, chanting “Iran, Iran, Out, Out” in their rallies.
Iraq is facing a very difficult fork in the road. The demonstrators believe sectarianism is no longer useful in the face of crises.