Iraqi protesters risk all for a unified, diverse and secular state

Young Iraqi protesters have been taking to the streets in Baghdad since October. They've been demanding employment opportunities, an end to widespread economic disparity, adequate services and infrastructure, but further, a general overhaul of a corrupt governing system.

The brutal crackdown on the non-violent protesters has only served to strengthen their determination and broaden their numbers. Over 400 demonstrators have died at the hands of armed forces in the nation's capital and across the country's predominantly Shiite south.

The Iraqi PM resigned last Sunday in response to the bloodiest day of protests on 29 November, which saw 40 mobilisers killed. Having come to power on a reform platform, Adel Abdul Mahdi had already lost the support of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani: the nation's most powerful figure.

However, the resignation of the prime minister is not going to quell the demonstrations within a country that's been ravaged by sectarian violence and foreign interference for decades now, as the youth of Iraq are on the street calling for a new system based on a democratically united population.

The national movement is calling for an end to the quota-based muhasasa system that was imposed after the 2003 US-led invasion. It was supposed to provide equal representation amongst ethno-sectarian groups, but rather, it fuelled division between them, whilst lining the pockets of elites.

Representation for all

"People will not backdown. They will be on the road, until they get what they need," Iraqi protest solidarity activist Khaled Ghannam told Sydney Criminal Lawyers. "They knew this would be hard, but it is possible."

The Palestinian-born Australian national explained that "the Iraqi uprising is calling for the current regime to stepdown". They want the system to be fixed, so that it's "not based on sectarian political parties". And this should start with an election that will lead Iraq on a path to economic prosperity.

"The country cannot rebuild itself without a strong democratic system based on a modern constitution and a strong army", Mr Ghannam asserts, adding that at present "Shiite forces are using violence against peaceful protesters", while the "official police and army" remain silent.

According to the Socialist Alliance member, "most of the young generation are not affiliated with political parties", as these are sectarian aligned. And he emphasises that there are "Iraqi Shiite religious leaders", who are indeed, backing...