Iraq – Iraqis fear of worsening political crisis

Location: Baghdad, Iraq

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:04:27

Voice: Natural

Source: A24 Baghdad

Restriction: A24 subscribers

Date: 01/09/2022

Storyline:

Iraqi people voiced fear of a worsening of the political crisis erupted for months over the formation of the government. The crisis reached its climax two days ago after Sadrist movement’s supporters stormed the presidential square and the Republican Palace in the Green Zone in Baghdad, causing clashes that killed thirty people and wounded dozens. Citizens interviewed told A24 they fear the political turmoil would reversely affect their lives in many aspects, as the budget approval was delayed and many projects were suspended, calling on political parties to agree on a solution to overcome the crisis.

Shot list:

• Soundbite (Surour Al-Daoudi – Citizen): 

” Recent political events have affected many aspects of people’s lives including the economy, education and budget approval and many projects have been disrupted. We call on the government and political parties to meet and agree on a solution to form a government and approve the budget. All work stopped. The simple Iraqi citizen is the most affected than others. The crisis has caused prices to rise, especially for the poor.”

• Soundbite (Salah Bamarni – journalist):

“The events may be repeated. We are now in a cycle. The current political class should be reasonable. I do not stand with either party; the Coordination Framework and the Sadrist movement, because they want to escalate events. Intellectuals, journalists, and politicians should be rational and follow the right path. There should be no political arrogance. Everyone should participate in negotiations regardless of the results, or else deadly fights will never end.”