Iraq: Frequent Fires in Baghdad’s Markets Undermine the National Economy

A series of arsons are hitting trading hubs in the Arab market, Daniel and Shorjah markets in Al Jumhouriyeh and Ar Rashid streets causing hefty losses with no compensations for those affected. Such arsons may undermine the economic growth in Iraq. Moreover, merchants expressed divergent views on who is behind those fires. Some claim there are invisible hands that aim at destroying the market considering the weak security grip. Moreover, some attributed the frequent fires to storing goods in random places along with damaged or exposed wires that trigger power surges that ignite fires